An artificial Earth satellite in an elliptical orbit has its greatest centripetal acceleration when it is at what location?
A)nearest the Earth
B)farthest from the Earth
C)between Earth and Moon
D)between Earth and Sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Centripetal acceleration is given by a = v²/r, where v is the velocity of the satellite and r is the distance from the center of the Earth. As the satellite is closest to the Earth, the distance from the center of the Earth is the smallest, which means that in order to maintain its orbit, it needs to have the greatest velocity. This, in turn, leads to the greatest centripetal acceleration.

An Artificial Earth Satellite in an Elliptical Orbit Has Its