Question 1: An orbit is the curved path that an object follows around a planet, star, or moon due to the force of gravity. The orbital motion is a balance between the object's velocity and the gravitational pull of the body it orbits.

Answer: An orbit is the curved trajectory of an object around a central body caused by gravity, where the object's velocity and gravitational pull balance each other.

Question 2: What is the main force responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the Sun?

Answer: Gravity

Question 1: Define orbital velocity.

Answer: Orbital velocity is the minimum speed an object must have to stay in a stable orbit around a planet or star without falling in or escaping.

Question 2: Explain why planets do not crash into the Sun despite gravity pulling them inward.

Answer: Planets move at a high enough speed that their forward motion creates a balance with the inward pull of gravity, resulting in a stable orbit, similar to how a ball thrown fast enough curves around rather than falling straight down.

Question 1: Calculate the orbital speed of Earth around the Sun. Given: Earth's orbital radius = 149.6 million km, orbital period = 365 days. Use the formula: v = 2πr / T. (1 km = 1000 m, 1 day = 86400 seconds)

Answer: Approximately 29.78 km/s

Question 2: A satellite orbits at an altitude of 500 km above Earth's surface. Earth's radius = 6371 km. Calculate the total radius of the satellite's orbit and its orbital speed. Assume Earth's mass = 5.97×10^24 kg, gravitational constant G = 6.674×10^-11 N·m²/kg². Use the formula v = √(GM / r).

Answer: Orbital radius: approximately 6871 km; Orbital speed: approximately 7.6 km/s

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment or activity that demonstrates how changing the velocity of an object affects its orbit around a central point. Include safety precautions.

Answer: Students can use a small mass attached to a string swung in a circle to simulate orbital motion. By varying the speed of the mass, they observe how faster speeds maintain a circular orbit while slower speeds cause the mass to spiral inward. Safety precautions include ensuring the string is securely attached, performing the activity in an open area, and wearing eye protection.

Question 1: A spacecraft travels from Earth to Mars. The data shows that when the spacecraft is at a point 1.5 million km from Mars, its velocity is 24 km/s. Discuss what this data suggests about the spacecraft’s orbit around Mars and the factors affecting its velocity.

Answer: The data suggests that the spacecraft is in a stable or elliptical orbit around Mars, with its velocity adjusted according to its distance from Mars. The closer the spacecraft is to Mars, the faster it must move to counteract gravity and maintain its orbit, consistent with orbital mechanics principles.

Question 1: Explain how understanding orbital mechanics is essential for launching and maintaining satellites in orbit around Earth.

Answer: Understanding orbital mechanics allows engineers to calculate the correct launch angles, speeds, and orbits for satellites to ensure they stay in desired positions, avoid collisions, and perform their functions efficiently.

Question 2: Describe one way in which knowledge of orbits is used in GPS technology.

Answer: GPS satellites orbit Earth and transmit signals that allow receivers to determine their position. Accurate knowledge of satellite orbits ensures precise location data by calculating the time it takes signals to travel from satellites to the receiver.