Question

A satellite describes an elliptical orbit about a planet. The satellite travels μch faster when it is directly over a

a) Closer point in its orbit
b) Farther point in its orbit
c) Equatorial point
d) Polar point

Answer 1

Satellites travel faster when they are directly over the b) farther point in their elliptical orbit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is b) Farther point in its orbit.

When a satellite describes an elliptical orbit about a planet, it travels faster when it is directly over the farther point in its orbit, which is known as the aphelion.

For example, in the case of a satellite orbiting Earth, the satellite would travel faster when it is at its farthest point from Earth, called the apogee.