Lesson: Orbital Mechanics High School Physics

Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to use the formula T = 2πr/v to calculate the orbital characteristics of a planet, moon, or man-made satellite in a circular orbit.

Video

12:16

Sample Question Videos

06:47
07:35
05:56

Worksheet: 11 Questions • 3 Videos

Q1:

Two planets, A and B, orbit a star. Both planets have circular orbits. Planet A orbits the star at a distance of km and at a speed of 30 km/s. Planet B orbits the star at a distance of km and at a speed of 17 km/s.

How many times is the length of planet B’s orbit greater than planet A’s?

How many times longer does it take for planet B to orbit the star than planet A? Give your answer to 1 decimal place.

Q2:

A satellite orbits Earth at an orbital radius of 10,000 km. Its orbital period is 2.8 hours. How fast is the satellite moving? Give your answer in kilometers per second and to 2 significant figures.

Q3:

Titan is the largest moon of Saturn. It has a roughly circular orbit and it orbits Saturn at a distance of 1,220,000 km with a period of 15.9 days. At what speed is Titan moving along its orbit? Give your answer in kilometers per second and to 2 significant figures.

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