Question 1: An orbit is the curved path that a satellite or planet follows around a star or planet due to gravitational attraction.

Answer: An orbit is a curved path followed by a satellite or planet around a star or planet, caused by gravity.

Question 2: Explain why planets follow elliptical orbits rather than perfect circles.

Answer: Planets follow elliptical orbits because of variations in gravitational forces and initial velocity, as described by Kepler's laws.

Question 1: Describe the role of gravitational force in maintaining an object in orbit around a star or planet.

Answer: Gravitational force provides the centripetal force necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path around a star or planet.

Question 2: State and explain Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion.

Answer: Kepler's First Law states that planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths with the Sun at one focus, due to the gravitational attraction.

Question 1: Calculate the orbital velocity of a satellite orbiting Earth at an altitude of 300 km. (Mass of Earth = 5.97 × 10^24 kg, Radius of Earth = 6371 km).

Answer: v = √(GM / r), where r = 6371 km + 300 km = 6671 km = 6.671 × 10^6 m. v ≈ 7.73 km/s.

Question 2: Determine the orbital period of a satellite at this altitude, assuming a circular orbit.

Answer: T = 2πr / v; with r = 6.671 × 10^6 m and v ≈ 7.73 km/s, T ≈ 92 minutes.

Question 1: Describe a simple theoretical experiment to demonstrate how changing the mass of a satellite affects its orbital speed.

Answer: In a theoretical experiment, one would vary the mass of a satellite in a simulation while keeping other variables constant, and observe the change in orbital speed. According to the law of universal gravitation, the orbital speed depends on the mass of the central body and the radius of orbit, but not on the satellite's mass. Therefore, changing satellite mass should not affect orbital speed, illustrating the principle that all objects in free fall orbit at the same speed regardless of mass.

Question 2: Explain how understanding orbital mechanics is crucial for the design of communication satellites and GPS technology.

Answer: Understanding orbital mechanics allows engineers to position communication satellites and GPS satellites in precise orbits, ensuring reliable coverage, minimal signal delay, and correct timing for navigation systems.

Question 1: Identify one technological device or system that relies on orbital mechanics and briefly describe its function.

Answer: Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites use orbital mechanics to stay in precise orbits, enabling accurate location and navigation services worldwide.

Question 2: Discuss the importance of maintaining satellite orbits and the consequences of orbital decay.

Answer: Maintaining satellite orbits is essential for continuous service. Orbital decay, caused by atmospheric drag or gravitational perturbations, can cause satellites to re-enter Earth's atmosphere prematurely, leading to loss of functionality and increased costs for repositioning or replacement.