If the space shuttle moves into a higher orbit, does its orbital velocity increase or decrease? Explain why. I can’t figure out why
the orbital period increases faster than the orbital radius, meaning lower velocity
Review Kepler's laws.
When a space shuttle moves into a higher orbit, its orbital velocity actually decreases.
To understand why, let's start with the concept of orbital velocity. Orbital velocity refers to the minimum velocity required by an object to maintain a stable orbit around a celestial body, such as the Earth. This velocity depends on the mass of the celestial body and the distance from the object to its center.
When an object is in orbit, it is essentially freefalling towards the Earth while moving forward fast enough to miss it. This balance between the force of gravity pulling the object towards the Earth and the forward velocity keeps the object in a circular path.
Now, when a space shuttle moves into a higher orbit, it travels away from the Earth, increasing its distance from Earth's center. Since orbital velocity depends on the distance from the object to the center of the celestial body, as the shuttle moves farther away, the gravitational force it experiences decreases.
The decrease in gravitational force means that the shuttle needs a lower velocity to maintain a stable orbit in the higher orbit. Consequently, the orbital velocity of the space shuttle decreases when it moves into a higher orbit.
So, in summary, when a space shuttle moves into a higher orbit, its orbital velocity decreases because the decrease in gravitational force at the greater distance requires less velocity to maintain a stable orbit.
When a space shuttle moves into a higher orbit, its orbital velocity decreases. To understand this, we need to start with the concept of centripetal force.
In orbits, there is a balance between two forces: the gravitational force pulling the shuttle towards the Earth and the centrifugal force pushing the shuttle outwards. These forces need to be equal for a stable orbit to be maintained.
Now, let's consider how the velocity of an object affects its centripetal force. The centripetal force, which provides the inward acceleration necessary for circular motion, is proportional to the square of the object's velocity.
In a lower orbit, where the shuttle is closer to the Earth, the gravitational force is stronger. To maintain a circular orbit at this lower altitude, the shuttle needs a higher velocity to balance the stronger gravitational force.
Conversely, when the shuttle moves into a higher orbit, it is farther away from the Earth. The gravitational force weakens with distance, so the necessary centripetal force decreases. In order to maintain a stable orbit in this higher altitude, the shuttle needs to decrease its velocity.
In summary, when a space shuttle moves into a higher orbit, its orbital velocity decreases. This is because the weakening gravitational force allows for a lower centripetal force requirement for maintaining a stable orbit.