2024TrialShort answer

Q21 (b)

2 marks

Question

Artificial satellites monitor weather conditions on Earth and are used for surveillance and communications. Such satellites may be placed in a geostationary orbit.
Explain what happens to the speed of a satellite when it moves to a lower orbit.

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Solution

The satellite must travel faster to stop it from falling inwards when gravitational force increases.

Criteria

Criteria	Marks
Correct explanation with cause-effect relationship	2
Any relevant information	1

Supplied marking guidance · human reviewed

Compare this with your working, not only your final sentence.

Syllabus alignment

Module 5 · Advanced Mechanics

Motion in Gravitational FieldsPredict orbital speed, period, radius and acceleration for planets and satellites, including geostationary orbits.

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