A satellite follows a circular path with constant speed around a planet. Which one of the following quantities is constant and non-zero for this satellite?
A)linear velocity
B)angular velocity
C)centripetal acceleration
D)angular acceleration
E)total acceleration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the satellite is following a circular path with constant speed, its linear velocity is changing direction constantly, so it is not constant. The centripetal acceleration, which is given by a = v^2/r, is constant because the radius of the circular path remains constant, and the speed of the satellite is constant. The angular acceleration is zero because the speed of the satellite is constant. The total acceleration is the vector sum of the tangential and centripetal accelerations, and these vectors are perpendicular to each other, so the total acceleration is not constant. Therefore, the only quantity that is constant and non-zero for this satellite is its angular velocity, which is given by ω = v/r.

A Satellite Follows a Circular Path with Constant Speed Around