Physics · Unit 3 · Gravity and motion · Projectile motion
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A satellite of mass 850 kg orbits Earth in a circular path at a constant speed of 7,200 m/s at an altitude where the orbital radius is 6.65 × 10⁶ m. (a) Calculate the centripetal acceleration acting on the satellite and describe its direction. (b) Calculate the centripetal force acting on the satellite and explain how this force relates to the satellite's circular motion.
A student observes three objects undergoing circular motion: a ball on a string being whirled horizontally at constant speed, a satellite orbiting Earth at constant altitude, and a car rounding a banked curve at constant speed. Describe the relationship between centripetal acceleration and centripetal force for objects in uniform circular motion.