Question 1: Define what is meant by an orbital path in space.

Answer: An orbital path is the curved trajectory that a satellite or celestial body follows around a planet or star, due to gravitational attraction.

Question 2: Explain how centripetal force is related to an object in orbit.

Answer: Centripetal force is the inward force that keeps an object moving in a circular orbit, balancing the object's inertia and preventing it from flying outward.

Question 1: Calculate the orbital speed of a satellite orbiting a chemical processing plant located 300 km above the Earth's surface. Use the Earth's radius as 6371 km and gravitational acceleration as 9.81 m/s². (Hint: Use the formula v = √(GM/r)).

Answer: v = √(GM/r); where G = 6.674×10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg², M = 5.972×10²⁴ kg, r = (6371 + 300) km = 6671 km = 6.671×10⁶ m. Result: approximately 7.73 km/s.

Question 2: A satellite completes an orbit every 90 minutes. Calculate its orbital radius around Earth.

Answer: Use T = 2πr/v and v = √(GM/r). Rearranged to r = (GMT²)/(4π²). Plugging in values, r ≈ 4.22×10⁷ m.

Question 1: Describe a theoretical experiment to measure the orbital period of a satellite in a laboratory setting, considering safety precautions.

Answer: Students could simulate orbital motion using a rotating platform and a small mass attached via a string to represent a satellite. The period can be measured by timing multiple rotations. Safety precautions include ensuring the platform is securely mounted, avoiding loose clothing, and keeping a safe distance during operation.

Question 2: Identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment measuring the effect of mass on orbital speed.

Answer: Independent variable: mass of the satellite; Dependent variable: orbital speed.

Question 1: A chemical plant uses a satellite in orbit 500 km above its facility to monitor emissions. If the satellite's orbital period is 96 minutes, analyse how orbital mechanics influence data collection efficiency.

Answer: Orbital mechanics determine the satellite's speed and coverage area. A stable orbit at 500 km altitude ensures consistent data collection over the plant, with the period influencing how frequently data can be collected. Faster orbits (shorter periods) allow more frequent updates, improving monitoring and response times.

Question 2: Explain how orbital principles are applied in the design of industrial satellites for resource management.

Answer: Orbital principles guide satellite placement to ensure optimal coverage, stability, and minimal fuel consumption. Geostationary orbits are used for constant monitoring of specific areas, while low Earth orbits are suitable for detailed imaging and resource management tasks.