a satelite in a low orbit around the earth can lose energy due to a very thin atmosphere. As it loses energy it falls down to a lower orbit. How does its speed change
2007-11-05 16:24:40 · 4 answers · asked by karri 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It changes speed through friction. Even though the atmosphere is very thin, it causes resistance which removes energy from the system and causes the vehicle to lose speed. The frictional force varies with the square of the velocity times a constant.
2007-11-05 18:20:17 · answer #1 · answered by BJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The speed is decreasing. The loss of speed is what causes the satellite to fall out of orbit.
2007-11-05 16:33:17 · answer #2 · answered by Woden501 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As the satellite looses energy it will spiral in faster and faster. Lower orbits move faster.
2007-11-05 16:37:26 · answer #3 · answered by rscanner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
♦ see rscanner! Want a formal proof?
2007-11-05 17:36:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋