A scientific research satellite orbits Mars in a circular path.
Explain why the velocity of the satellite is constantly changing, even though it travels at a constant orbital speed.
The table below shows how the total circumference (length) of a satellite's circular orbit varies with its altitude above the Martian surface:
| Altitude above Martian surface (km\text{km}km) | Length of orbit (km\text{km}km) |
|---|---|
| 150 | 22240 |
| 250 | 22870 |
| 350 | 23500 |
| 450 | 24130 |
| 550 | 24760 |
The satellite is positioned in a circular orbit at an altitude of 350 km350\text{ km}350 km and travels at a constant speed of 3.38 km/s3.38\text{ km/s}3.38 km/s.
Calculate the number of complete orbits of Mars this satellite will complete in a period of 40 hours40\text{ hours}40 hours.
Practise AQA GCSE Physics Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only) with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 27 questions covering Our solar system, The life cycle of a star, and Orbital motion, natural and artificial satellites, matched to the AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.