Orbital motion of artificial satellites
I can describe changes to a satellite’s speed and velocity as it orbits Earth.
Orbital motion of artificial satellites
I can describe changes to a satellite’s speed and velocity as it orbits Earth.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artificial satellites orbit Earth because of the gravitational attraction between them.
- The speed of a satellite along its orbit around Earth is constant.
- The velocity of a satellite along its orbit around Earth constantly changes as it changes direction.
- The gravitational force on a satellite makes it accelerate and change direction, but not speed.
Common misconception
Motion is always in the direction of the force acting on an object.
Provide pupils with opportunity to experience a radial force changing the direction of a small object in order to make it move in a circular path.
Keywords
Satellite - an object which orbits a planet; satellites can be natural (moons) or artificial
Polar orbit - an orbit in which the satellite passes over the poles of a planet
Geostationary orbit - an orbit in which the satellite is stationary in the sky as it orbits in the same time as the planet, directly above its equator
Orbital path - the path a satellite takes around the planet it orbits
Equipment
Thin plastic tubes (e.g. shells of ballpoint pens), rubber bung, strong thread, masses and mass holder.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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