Module 5 - 5.4.3 Planetary Motion

Question 1

Kepler’s 1st Law of Planetary Motion

Answer 1

Planets travel around the Sun in elliptical orbits

Question 2

Kepler’s 2nd Law of Planetary Motion

Answer 2

A line joining the Sun to a planet will sweep out equal areas in equal times

Question 3

Kepler’s 3rd Law of Planetary Motion

Answer 3

The square of the period of a planet orbiting the Sun is proportional to the mean radius of its orbit cubed: T^2 ∝ r^3

Question 4

Geostationary Satellites (3)

Answer 4

• stay in the same place above the Earth’s surface at all times
• have a time period of 24 hours
• are located above the equator

Question 5

Uses of Geostationary Satellites (3)

Answer 5

• broadcasting TV signals and relaying telephone signals
• monitoring the weather and changes in the environment
• monitoring air traffic