Satellites in low Earth orbit lose energy from collision with the tenuous atmosphere,causing them to slowly spiral inward.What happens to their kinetic energy as they fall inward?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As satellites spiral inward due to atmospheric drag, their potential energy decreases while their kinetic energy increases. This is because as they move closer to Earth, they accelerate due to the stronger gravitational pull, converting potential energy into kinetic energy.

Satellites in Low Earth Orbit Lose Energy from Collision with the Tenuous