Chapter 3: (3) Man-made Satellites

Question 1

State the characteristics of a geostationary satellite.

Answer 1

Orbits the Earth, Direction of motion same as the direction of Earth rotation, T = 24 hours, Above the same geographical location
Function: Communication satellite
Example: MEASAT

Question 2

State the characteristics of a non-geostationary satellite.

Answer 2

Orbits the Earth, Direction of motion doesn’t have to be the same as the direction of Earth rotation, T can be longer or shorter than 24 hours, Above different geographical location
Function: Earth imaging, GPS, weather forecast
Example: TiungSAT, RazakSAT, Pipit, ISS

Question 3

What is escape velocity, v?

Answer 3

The minimum velocity needed by an object on the surface of the Earth to overcome gravitational force and escape to outer space.

Question 4

What is earth’s escape velocity?

Answer 4

11200m s -1
40300km h-1

Question 5

State one benefit of escape velocity.

Answer 5

Earth is able to maintain a layer of atmosphere around it.
- Molecules in atmosphere has velocity (500m s-1) lower than Earth’s escape velocity.
- Unable to escape to outer space.