Suppose a large satellite is discovered in an orbit around its planet and that the orbital period of the satellite is shorter than the rotational period of the planet around its axis. The satellite rotates to the east, and the satellite raises a tidal bulge on the planet. What can you say about the future of this satellite?
A)If this satellite also moves eastward in its orbit it will be slowed down by the attraction of the tidal bulge and will gradually move closer to the planet.
B)If this satellite moves westward in its orbit it will be speeded up by the attraction of the tidal bulge and will gradually move closer to the planet.
C)If this satellite also moves eastward in its orbit it will be speeded up by the attraction of the tidal bulge and will gradually move farther away from the planet.
D)If this satellite moves westward in its orbit it will be slowed down by the attraction of the tidal bulge and will gradually move farther away from the planet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the satellite orbits eastward, the same direction as the planet's rotation, but at a faster rate (since its orbital period is shorter), the gravitational interaction with the tidal bulge, which lags behind due to the planet's slower rotation, will exert a torque that slows the satellite down. This loss of orbital energy causes the satellite to spiral gradually closer to the planet.

Suppose a Large Satellite Is Discovered in an Orbit Around