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    Question

    Two satellites are orbiting Earth at different

    altitudes. Satellite A is closer than Satellite B. Which of the following is correct regarding their speeds?
    A Both have same orbital speed Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Satellite B moves faster Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Satellite A moves faster Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Their speeds are independent of altitude Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    To determine the relationship between the orbital speeds of the two satellites and their altitudes, we can use the formula for the orbital speed of a satellite around a central body: This relationship indicates that as the orbital radius increases, the orbital speed decreases, and as the orbital radius decreases, the orbital speed increases.    This shows that Satellite A, which is closer to Earth (at a lower altitude and thus smaller orbital radius), has a higher orbital speed than Satellite B, which is farther from Earth (at a higher altitude and thus larger orbital radius).

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