Satellite Tangential Speed: Questions & Answers

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In summary, the tangential speed of a satellite is provided by the initial velocity given to it during launch, which allows it to maintain a circular motion in its orbit. The force of gravity is the only force acting on the satellite, and it does not affect the tangential speed once the satellite is in orbit. This is because the gravitational force is perpendicular to the orbit and does not contribute to any change in speed.
  • #1
ngkamsengpeter
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I want to know that what provide the tangetial speed of satelite.
Is it the satelites have a engine that provide its tangetial speed or the gravitational field strength that provide the tangetial speed ?
Please explain clearly or provide the links that explain this .
 
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  • #2
Satellite orbiting around Earth free falls under gravity . Earth's Gravitational Force tries to pull satellite towards itself , and thus the satellite keeps falling from the straightline path that it otherwise would have taken in absence of Earth's Gravitational Pull.When a satellite is launched , its gravitational potential energy is changed into K.E , and the initial velocity given to satellite is given in accordance with the height at which it is to be placed , so that a particular height it starts orbiting.Now the tangential velocity it once acquires is maintained by the circular motion it possesses .Wor done by Earth's gravitational force is zero in this case and thus the change in K.E in circular orbit is also zero.So the satellite comes to an orbit with a particular velocity which is then maintained in circular motion.

BJ
 
  • #3
Can you explain clearly
 
  • #4
It is the speed orginally given to the satellite in putting into orbit. Once the satellite is in orbit there is only the force of gravity acting on it (ignoring slight resistance from a few atoms at that height) and that is perpendicular to the orbit (assuming an near circular orbit) and so does not affect the speed.
 

1. What is satellite tangential speed?

Satellite tangential speed is the speed at which a satellite moves perpendicular to the radius of its orbit around a larger object, such as a planet or moon. It is also referred to as orbital speed or orbital velocity.

2. How is satellite tangential speed calculated?

To calculate the satellite tangential speed, you would use the formula v = √(G * M / r), where v is the tangential speed, G is the universal gravitational constant, M is the mass of the larger object, and r is the radius of the satellite's orbit.

3. What factors affect satellite tangential speed?

The main factors that affect satellite tangential speed are the mass of the larger object around which the satellite is orbiting, and the distance between the satellite and the larger object. Other factors that may also play a role include atmospheric drag and the shape of the satellite's orbit.

4. Why is satellite tangential speed important?

Satellite tangential speed is important because it determines the stability of a satellite's orbit. If the speed is too low, the satellite will fall towards the larger object and potentially crash. If the speed is too high, the satellite will escape the larger object's gravitational pull and fly off into space.

5. How does satellite tangential speed impact satellite communication?

Satellite tangential speed directly affects the time it takes for a satellite to complete one orbit around the larger object. This, in turn, can impact the timing and accuracy of satellite communication. If the speed is not consistent, it can lead to communication disruptions and errors. Therefore, careful monitoring and adjustment of satellite tangential speed is necessary for reliable satellite communication.

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