UNDERSTAND THE SCIENCE
The physics behind the experiment
For an ideal circular orbit, gravity supplies centripetal acceleration. With μ = GMₑ and orbital radius r = Rₑ + h, speed v = √(μ/r) and period T = 2π√(r³/μ). Earth is modelled as spherical and non-rotating; atmospheric drag and orbital perturbations are neglected.
Try this guided investigation
- Start at 400 km altitude and note speed and orbital period.
- Raise the altitude to 20,000 km; observe changes in speed and period.
- Explain why the higher satellite travels more slowly but takes longer to complete one orbit.
All numerical values follow the model assumptions stated here; artwork is schematic, not a scale engineering drawing.