Understanding Orbits in Space

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason why all the planets have orbits around the Sun in the same direction and plane?

  • The planets were formed by the accretion of dust and debris around the Sun
  • The planets were formed by the explosion of a supernova
  • The planets were formed at different times and locations
  • The planets were formed by the gravitational collapse of a rotating cloud of gas and dust (correct)

What is the key similarity between throwing a ball out of a tower window and launching a satellite into orbit?

  • Both require the object to travel at a certain speed
  • Both require a push to initiate the motion (correct)
  • Both involve gravity keeping the object in motion
  • Both result in the object falling back to the ground

What is the key advantage of satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) compared to other satellite orbits?

  • They require less fuel to maintain their orbit
  • They can observe larger areas of the Earth
  • They can be launched to a higher altitude
  • They can stay constantly above a fixed point on the Earth's surface (correct)

What is the primary reason why satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) need to travel at a speed of about 3 km/s?

<p>To match the rotation of the Earth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key advantage of having satellites in orbit around the Earth?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary force responsible for an object orbiting another?

<p>Gravity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In our Solar System, which of the following is true regarding orbits?

<p>The Moon orbits Earth, and Earth orbits the Sun, but the Sun is also pulled slightly from its centre. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the planets, moons, and asteroids in our Solar System form?

<p>They were formed from the leftover gas and dust that coalesced around the Sun due to its gravitational pull. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when objects of similar mass orbit each other?

<p>They orbit around a common centre, with neither object at the exact centre. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the formation of tides in Earth's oceans?

<p>The gravitational pull of the Moon on the oceans. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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