Question

Satellites A and B are in different circular orbits around Earth. Which satellite has a higher orbital speed, assuming all other factors are the same?

a) Satellite A
b) Satellite B
c) Both have the same orbital speed
d) Cannot determine without specific orbit details

Answer 1

The satellite in the higher circular orbit will have a higher orbital speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The satellite in the higher circular orbit will have a higher orbital speed. In circular orbits, the orbital speed is directly proportional to the square root of the distance from the center of the orbit. This means that the further a satellite is from the center of the orbit, the slower its orbital speed will be. So, assuming all other factors are the same, the satellite in the higher circular orbit, which is further from the center of Earth, will have a higher orbital speed.