What happens to the height of the orbit?

  • Thread starter bon
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Orbit
In summary, the conversation discusses the change in speed required for a satellite to escape the solar system or fall into the sun while in circular orbit around the sun, and the effects of atmospheric friction on a satellite in low Earth orbit. The question of whether the change in speed would be the same for both cases is raised, along with inquiries about the initial speed needed for escape and reaching the sun. The effect of atmospheric friction on the satellite's orbit is also mentioned.
  • #1
bon
559
0

Homework Statement



1) A satellite is in circular orbit around the sun. Which requires the greater change in satellite's speed: to escape the solar system or fall into the sun?

2)Why does atmospheric friction increase the speed of a satellite in low Earth orbit?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1) Not sure..Surely the change in speed in 2 cases would be the same?

2) Again ..not sure.. :S
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi bon! :smile:
bon said:
1) A satellite is in circular orbit around the sun. Which requires the greater change in satellite's speed: to escape the solar system or fall into the sun?

1) Not sure..Surely the change in speed in 2 cases would be the same?

(if the Sun has mass M and if the orbit has radius r …)

What initial speed is needed to escape to infinity?

What initial speed is needed to reach the Sun?
2)Why does atmospheric friction increase the speed of a satellite in low Earth orbit?

It stays in orbit: but what happens to the orbit?
 

Related to What happens to the height of the orbit?

1. What is an orbit?

An orbit is the path an object takes as it revolves around another object due to the gravitational force between them. In space, this can refer to the path of a planet around a star or a moon around a planet.

2. What is a quick orbit?

A quick orbit refers to an orbit with a short period of revolution. This means that the object takes a relatively short amount of time to complete one full orbit around another object.

3. How is the speed of an orbit determined?

The speed of an orbit is determined by the strength of the gravitational force between the two objects in orbit. The stronger the force, the faster the orbiting object will travel. The mass and distance of the objects also play a role in determining orbital speed.

4. Can an orbit be changed?

Yes, an orbit can be changed through various methods such as thrust from a rocket or gravitational assists from other objects. However, changing an orbit requires a significant amount of energy and precise calculations.

5. What are the applications of studying orbits?

Studying orbits is important for understanding the motion of objects in space and predicting their future paths. It is also crucial for space exploration and satellite communications, as orbits are used to keep satellites in specific positions above the Earth.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
823
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
489
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top