Which of these cannot occur? A) A satellite orbiting about the equator.B) A satellite orbiting about the Earth's poles.C) Actually all these can occur.D) A satellite orbiting about the Arctic Circle.
D) The plane of the orbit must contain the center of the Earth
To determine which of these options cannot occur, let's analyze the characteristics of satellite orbits.
A satellite in orbit around the Earth experiences two primary forces: gravity, pulling it towards the Earth's center, and centrifugal force, pushing it away from the center due to its orbital speed.
Option A, a satellite orbiting about the equator, is possible. In fact, many satellites, such as communication satellites, are placed in geostationary orbits around the Earth's equator.
Option B, a satellite orbiting about the Earth's poles, is also possible. These orbits are called polar orbits, and satellites in these orbits pass over or near the Earth's poles during each orbit.
Option C states that all these options can occur. This statement contradicts the requirement of selecting the option that cannot occur. Therefore, option C is not correct.
Finally, Option D, a satellite orbiting about the Arctic Circle. This is also a possible orbit. While it is less common compared to equatorial or polar orbits, satellites can be placed in such orbits that pass over or near the Arctic Circle during each orbit.
So, the correct answer is Option C: Actually, all these options can occur.