An Earth satellite in an elliptical orbit travels fastest when it is
A)nearest the Earth.
B)farthest from the Earth.
C)neither of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Kepler's laws of planetary motion, as the satellite gets closer to the Earth in its elliptical orbit, it experiences a stronger gravitational force, which causes it to accelerate and travel faster. Therefore, the satellite will be traveling fastest when it is nearest to the Earth.

An Earth Satellite in an Elliptical Orbit Travels Fastest When