Question

1. The diagram shows a satellite traveling in uniform circular motion around the Earth.

(a) Give the relation between radius of the orbit and the velocity of the satellite.
(b ) The satellite is kept in orbit by a force. On the diagram draw an arrow to show the
direction of this force.

Answer 1

M V R = constant angular momentum is constant because no forces act in the direction of V

Since M (mass) = constant

V R = constant

The force is directed along the gravitational force vector (towards the center of rotation)