P5 - Satellites, gravity and circular motion Flashcards
1
Q
What is a satellite?
A
A satellite is an object that orbits a larger object in space.
2
Q
Give an example of a natural satellite.
A
The moon orbiting the Earth.
3
Q
What is centripetal force?
A
The centripetal force pulls an object toward the centre of the circle.
4
Q
What is a geostationary satellite?
A
A satellite which stays above one place in Earth and spins with it.
5
Q
What does orbital period mean?
A
The time for one orbit.
6
Q
Why do planets closer to the sun have a shorter orbit time?
A
- they do not travel as far in one orbit
- they travel faster because there is a bigger gravitational pull on them
7
Q
What are the main uses of satellites?
A
- communications
- weather forecasting
- military
- scientific research
- GPS
8
Q
What are the main uses of geostationary satellites?
A
- communications
- TV and radio broadcasts
- weather forecasting
9
Q
Why can geostationary satellites not be too close together?
A
Their signals would overlap due to diffraction.
