A satellite describes an elliptical orbit about a planet.The satellite travels much faster when it is directly over a
A)large ocean.
B)large island.
C)high mountain range.
D)great plain or plateau.
E)None of the above choices affects its speed very much.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of a satellite in an elliptical orbit is determined by its position in the orbit, specifically its distance from the planet, not by what is directly below it on the planet's surface. The satellite travels faster when it is closer to the planet (at the periapsis) due to the conservation of angular momentum and gravitational forces, regardless of the geographical features below.

A Satellite Describes an Elliptical Orbit About a Planet