OUTCOME
y the end of the lesson you will recognise that modelling planetary motion as uniform circular motion leads to relationships between radius and period and be able to apply these relationships to problems.
Engage
To place an object in orbit requires altitude and tangential velocity. It requires a balance between gravity and velocity.
LEARNING TASKS
Explain
1. Why do closer satellites have to travel faster to maintain orbit?
2. What causes orbital decay? How is it overcome?
Explore and Elaborate
1. At what altitude would a satellite be if it was travelling at 28,000 km/h?
2. The ISS orbits at 400 km above the Earth's surface. What speed must it maintain to achieve this?
Play the Satellite game here
1. What tangential and radial speeds are required to launch a cannon ball into space?
2. can you dock with the space station?
Evaluate
Try Qs 37-42