A satellite in an elliptical orbit travels at a
A)constant speed
B)variable speed
C)not enough information to say
Because
D)the net force acting on it is zero.
E)of the component of gravitational force existing in its direction of motion.
F)it is characteristic of it to do so.
G)again, not enough information is given to say.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of a satellite in an elliptical orbit varies because of the gravitational force acting on it, which has a component in the direction of motion, especially as it moves closer to or farther from the body it is orbiting. This variation in speed is a direct consequence of Kepler's laws of planetary motion, specifically the law of areas, which states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time, leading to faster speeds when the satellite is closer to the planet.

A Satellite in an Elliptical Orbit Travels at a