Energy and Speed of Satellite in Lower Orbit – Rankers Physics

Planet and Satellite: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion: If an earth satellite moves to a lower orbit, there is some dissipation of energy but the satellite speed increases. Reason: The speed of satellite is a constant quantity.
Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not correct explanation of Assertion.
Assertion is true but Reason is false.
Assertion and Reason are false.

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Planet and Satellite. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

As a satellite moves to a lower orbit, total energy decreases (becomes more negative) due to dissipation, but kinetic energy increases, so speed increases. The speed of a satellite is not universally constant.

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