Two probes, P and Q, are initially in stable circular orbits around Venus.
| Probe | Orbital radius in km | Speed in km/s |
|---|---|---|
| P | 7000 | 6.81 |
| Q | 10 000 | 5.70 |
The speed of probe Q is increased to 6.20 km/s. At the instant its speed is changed, its orbital radius is still 10 000 km.
Explain why probe Q is no longer in a stable circular orbit.
Probe Q is adjusted into a new stable circular orbit while its speed remains at 6.20 km/s.
Using the data, explain the range in which the new orbital radius must lie.
84 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Physics 8.1 Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites, covering 8.1.1 Our solar system, 8.1.2 The life cycle of a star, and 8.1.3 Orbital motion, natural and artificial satellites. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.