The Early Bird communication satellite hovers over the same point on Earth's equator indefinitely.This is because
A)forces other than Earth's gravity act on it.
B)it pulls as hard on the Earth as the earth pulls on it.
C)it is beyond the main pull of Earth gravity.
D)it is kept aloft by ground control.
E)its orbital period is 24 hours.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the Early Bird communication satellite hovers over the same point on Earth's equator indefinitely suggests that it is in a geostationary orbit. A geostationary orbit is achieved when a satellite's orbital period matches the rotation period of the Earth. Since the Earth rotates once every 24 hours, a satellite orbiting at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km with an orbital period of 24 hours will appear to be stationary in the sky relative to an observer on the ground. Therefore, the correct answer is E, its orbital period is 24 hours.

The Early Bird Communication Satellite Hovers Over the Same Point