Consider a satellite in a circular orbit. Suppose it loses some energy to friction in the thin upper atmosphere. What will be its subsequent orbit? (See Figure 4-22, Universe, 11th ed.)

Question

Consider a satellite in a circular orbit. Suppose it loses some energy to friction in the thin upper atmosphere. What will be its subsequent orbit? (See Figure 4-22, Universe, 11th ed.)
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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the satellite loses energy due to friction, its speed decreases. Since it is no longer moving at the required speed for circular motion at its original altitude, it must move to an orbit with a smaller radius to maintain the same period of circular motion. This means that the semimajor axis (which is equivalent to the radius in a circular orbit) must decrease. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer.

Consider a Satellite in a Circular Orbit