If a satellite travels at constant speed at all points in its orbit, then its path is
A)a circle.
B)an ellipse.
C)a parabola.
It travels at constant speed because
D)the net force acting on the satellite is zero.
E)it is characteristic for a satellite to travel at constant speed in this type of orbit.
F)gravitational force decreases with increasing distance.
G)there is no component of gravitational pull directed along the satellite's path.
H)of inertia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A satellite traveling at constant speed in its orbit implies a circular path because for an elliptical orbit, the speed varies due to changing gravitational force as the distance from the focus (where the central body is located) changes. The reason it travels at constant speed is that there is no component of gravitational pull directed along the satellite's path (G), meaning all the gravitational force acts as the centripetal force, pulling the satellite towards the center of the circle without speeding it up or slowing it down along its path.

If a Satellite Travels at Constant Speed at All Points