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8 Space physics

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Question 9

A climate-monitoring satellite is in a stable circular orbit around Venus.

a.

Explain why the velocity of the satellite changes as it orbits Venus, even though it travels at a constant speed.

[3]
b.

The table below shows how the circumference of the satellite's circular orbit depends on its altitude above Venus' surface:

Altitude above Venus' surface (km\text{km}km)Orbit circumference (km\text{km}km)
20039270
40040530
60041780
80043040
100044300

The satellite orbits at an altitude of 600 km above the Venusian surface at a constant speed of 7.18 km/s.

Calculate how many complete orbits of Venus the satellite will make in 35 hours35\text{ hours}35 hours.

[4]
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8 Space physics Questions

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