Question

what happens to the gravitational force and orbital velocity of a satellite as the satellite transfers to an orbit that is closer to earth? (1 point)
the gravitational force increases and the velocity increases.
the gravitational force decreases and the velocity increases.
the gravitational force decreases and the velocity decreases.
the gravitational force increases and the velocity decreases.

Explanation:

• Gravitational force: According to Newton's law of universal gravitation \(F = G\frac{Mm}{r^{2}}\), where \(G\) is the gravitational constant, \(M\) is the mass of the Earth, \(m\) is the mass of the satellite, and \(r\) is the distance between the center of the Earth and the satellite. As \(r\) decreases (satellite moves closer to Earth), the gravitational force \(F\) increases.
• Orbital velocity: The orbital velocity formula is \(v=\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}\). When \(r\) decreases, the value of \(\frac{GM}{r}\) increases. Since \(v\) is the square - root of \(\frac{GM}{r}\), the orbital velocity \(v\) increases.

Answer:

The gravitational force increases and the velocity increases.