Orbital speeds of planets and satellites
1 mark · NormalDescribe what would happen to a satellite if it slowed down in its orbit.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
Must show: satellite would fall towards Earth or re-enter atmosphere, no longer enough speed to stay in orbit
Also accept: fall towards planet; lose orbit and crash
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Correctly describes the satellite falls to Earth or re-enters the atmosphere if speed is too low.
Worked solution
If a satellite slows down, it would not have enough speed to balance the gravitational force and would spiral down towards Earth.