Two artificial satellites, X and Y, orbit the Earth.
The Table gives information about their orbits.
Table
| Satellite | Time for one orbit | Height above the Earth's surface in km\text{km}km |
|---|---|---|
| X | 24 hours | 36 00036\,00036000 |
| Y | 100 minutes | 800 |
Satellite X is a geostationary satellite.
Explain why satellite X always stays above the same point on the Earth's surface.
Give one use of a geostationary satellite.
Satellite Y is in a polar orbit.
Explain why satellite Y can be used to take pictures of every part of the Earth's surface.
Use the Table to describe how the time for one orbit depends on the height of the orbit.
Explain which satellite, X or Y, travels at the greater speed.
80 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 7.1 The Solar System and gravity, covering 7.1.1 Weight and g on different bodies in space, 7.1.2 The Solar System, 7.1.3 Changing ideas about the Solar System, 7.1.4 Orbits of moons, planets, comets and satellites, and 7.1.5 Gravity and orbital motion. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.