When a satellite moves around the earth in a certain orbit, the quanti...
When a satellite moves around the earth in a certain orbit, the quanti...
Explanation:
When a satellite moves around the Earth in a certain orbit, the quantity that remains constant is the aerial velocity.
Aerial velocity:
Aerial velocity, also known as orbital velocity, is the velocity at which a satellite moves in its orbit around the Earth. It is the speed required for a satellite to maintain a stable orbit without falling back to Earth or drifting away into space. Aerial velocity is determined by the mass of the Earth and the radius of the orbit.
Explanation:
When a satellite is in orbit around the Earth, it experiences a gravitational force that provides the necessary centripetal force to keep it in a circular path. The centripetal force is directed towards the center of the Earth and is given by the equation F = (mv²)/r, where m is the mass of the satellite, v is its velocity, and r is the radius of the orbit.
Since the satellite is in a stable orbit, the gravitational force is balanced by the centripetal force. Therefore, the satellite's velocity remains constant, and hence, its aerial velocity remains constant throughout its orbit.
Angular velocity and potential energy:
Angular velocity refers to the rate at which the satellite rotates around its axis. In a stable orbit, the satellite's angular velocity may change, as it depends on the satellite's rotational motion rather than its orbital motion.
Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy possessed by an object due to its position or state. In the case of a satellite in orbit, its potential energy changes as it moves to different altitudes within the orbit. Therefore, potential energy is not constant for a satellite in orbit around the Earth.
Kinetic energy:
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. In the case of a satellite in orbit, its kinetic energy changes as it moves at different speeds within the orbit. As the satellite moves closer to the Earth, its speed increases, resulting in an increase in kinetic energy. Similarly, as it moves farther from the Earth, its speed decreases, resulting in a decrease in kinetic energy. Therefore, kinetic energy is not constant for a satellite in orbit around the Earth.
In summary, while angular velocity, kinetic energy, and potential energy of a satellite in orbit around the Earth may vary, the quantity that remains constant is the aerial velocity.
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