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14.2 Circular orbits

Lindsay Bly Becca Taylor. 14.2 Circular orbits. Force of Gravity. Gravity is pulling neither forward nor backward; it pulls straight downward Example: a bowling ball rolling along a bowling alley Gravity does not change the speed

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14.2 Circular orbits

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  1. Lindsay Bly Becca Taylor 14.2 Circular orbits

  2. Force of Gravity • Gravity is pulling neither forward nor backward; it pulls straight downward • Example: a bowling ball rolling along a bowling alley • Gravity does not change the speed • The bowling ball has no component of gravitational force along the direction of alley

  3. Satellites in Circular Orbit • The force of gravity is at right angles to the direction of motion • The same is true for a satellite in circular orbit • A satellite is always moving perpendicular to the force of gravity • The satellite exactly “criss-crosses” gravity • No change in speed occurs • Only a change in direction

  4. Satellites • A satellite in circular orbit around Earth is always: • Perpendicular to gravity • Parallel to Earth’s surface at constant speed

  5. Satellites and Earth • Satellites close to Earth have a period of 90 minutes • A period is the time to complete orbit around the earth

  6. Communication Satellites • Communications satellites are located in orbit 6.5 Earth radii from Earth’s center • Their period is 24 hours • Matching Earth’s rotation • These satellites are launched to orbit in the place of Earth’s equator

  7. Review Question • Why doesn’t gravitational force change the speed of a satellite in circular orbit?

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