answersLogoWhite

0

An object in orbit is in what is known as "free-fall". The best way to understand this is to realise that the object has 2 motions: down, and sideways.

An object 1000 miles high in orbit will fall down towards the centre of the earth exactly 1000 miles. BUT, in the time it takes it to fall that 1000 miles, it moves EXACTLY 1000 miles sideways, so it is still exactly 1000 miles above the earth. It then falls exactly 1000 miles towards the centre of the earth, but in that time, moves another 1000 miles sideways, so it's STILL 1000 miles above the earth.

Now, change that 1000 miles down, for 10 miles, or 1 mile, or 1 inch, AND, change the 1000 miles sideways for 10 miles, 1 mile, 1 inch.

The concept of a stable orbit is that for each unit the object moves DOWN, it moves sideways far enough that it is still exactly the same height above the centre of what it is orbiting.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Astronomy

If a satellite's radial velocity is zero at all times its orbit must be elliptical or parabolic?

Not necessarily. A circular orbit around a central body, such as a planet, would also have a radial velocity of zero at all times. In a circular orbit, the satellite's velocity vector is always perpendicular to the radius vector, resulting in a constant radial velocity of zero.


Why is the moon known as the a satellite?

Assuming no typo on your part regarding the "A" satellite, it would be that the moon was the first satellite orbiting earth. If you meant "why is the moon known as a satellite", it's because it is a satellite. Anything that orbits is a satellite.


Is the satellite accelerating?

Yes, the satellite is accelerating because it is revolving around our earth and in a circular motion so its velocity changes every second so it is accelerating.A2. No, the satellite is not accelerating. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. But, its velocity is constant. The centrifugal effect is exactly balanced by the pull of gravity (assuming a circular orbit).But a nice question. The net acceleration between these forces is zero.


What provides the force that causes the centripetal acceleratoin of the satellite in orbit?

The force that provides the centripetal acceleration for a satellite in orbit is the gravitational force between the satellite and the celestial body it is orbiting, such as Earth. This gravitational force acts as the centripetal force that keeps the satellite in its circular path around the celestial body.


An artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit of radius 42050 km. calculate its speed if it takes 24 hours to revolve around the sun?

Here we will use the following formula velocity of the satellite v = 2πr/T here r is the radius of the circular path travelled by the satellite = 42250 km and T is the time period = 24 hrs. here, the distance travelled by the satellite in 24 hrs would be the circumference of the circular path of radius 42050 . so, v = (2 X 3.14 X 42050) / 24 = 264074 / 24 :)

Related Questions

What is the direction of the centripetal force acting on a satellite that is in uniform circular motion around Earth?

The centripetal force acting on a satellite in uniform circular motion around Earth is directed towards the center of Earth. This force is necessary to keep the satellite moving in a circular path instead of following a straight line.


What is a satellite orbit?

A satellite's orbit is just the path it follows around the Earth or some other planet.Satellites' orbits can be elliptical or circular.


The velocity required to keed a satellite in orbit around the Earth is called?

circular velocity


How much work is done on a satellite in a circular orbit about Earth?

The work done on a satellite in a circular orbit around Earth is zero because the gravitational force acting on the satellite is perpendicular to the direction of motion, so no work is done to maintain the orbit.


A satellite of mass 5500 kg orbits the Earth in a circular orbit of radius of 9.3 106 m this is above the Earth's atmosphereThe mass of the Earth is 6.0 1024 kg?

The gravitational force acting on the satellite is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth, and is directed towards the center of the Earth. The gravitational force is responsible for causing the satellite to move in a circular path around the Earth. The centripetal force required to keep the satellite in its circular orbit is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth.


What describes a satellite which orbits a planet revolving around the sun?

A satellite is an object which orbits a larger body. For example, the Moon orbits the Earth, and the Earth orbits the Sun. The Moon is a satellite of the Earth and the Earth is a Satellite of the Sun.


What is the centripetal force that acts on satellites by continiously changing their direction of motion?

The centripetal force acting on satellites is gravity, specifically the gravitational force between the satellite and the celestial body it is orbiting. This force pulls the satellite towards the center of the orbit, continuously changing its direction of motion and keeping it in a circular or elliptical orbit around the celestial body.


The definition Circular motion?

Circular motion is the movement of an object in a circular path around a fixed point. The object continuously changes its direction, but its distance from the fixed point remains constant. It is characterized by a centripetal force keeping the object in its circular path.


If a satellite's radial velocity is zero at all times its orbit must be elliptical or parabolic?

Not necessarily. A circular orbit around a central body, such as a planet, would also have a radial velocity of zero at all times. In a circular orbit, the satellite's velocity vector is always perpendicular to the radius vector, resulting in a constant radial velocity of zero.


What is tangential motion?

Tangential motion is motion that occurs perpendicular to the radius of a circular path. It represents the speed or direction change of an object moving in a circular path. Tangential motion is often seen in circular motion scenarios, like a car going around a curve or a satellite orbiting around a planet.


Why do Satellites travel in a circular path?

Satellites orbit the Earth or other bodies due to a careful balance of their velocity and the gravitational attraction of the body. Essentially gravity pulls them down but their velocity moves then out (Newton's Fist Law of Motion) at the same rate. They keep missing the body they orbit.The path is not necessarily circular since the gravity over the Earth varies with the density of the ground below the satellite. They are also satisfied to be in an elliptical orbit (closer at some times than others). The moon is a good example of a satellite in an almost circular elliptical orbit. comets have wildly elliptical orbits.


Why is the moon known as the a satellite?

Assuming no typo on your part regarding the "A" satellite, it would be that the moon was the first satellite orbiting earth. If you meant "why is the moon known as a satellite", it's because it is a satellite. Anything that orbits is a satellite.