There are Different Types of Orbit Flashcards
1
Q
The orbits of moons and planets are usually…
A
Slightly elliptical
2
Q
Comets orbit the Sun, but have very…
A
Elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus
3
Q
Why do comets have orbital periods much longer than the earth?
A
They travel from the outer edges of our solar system
4
Q
Why does a comet travel much faster when it’s nearer the Sun than it does in the more distant parts of its orbit?
A
The increased pull of gravity makes it sped up the closer it gets to the Sun
5
Q
What are some artificial Earth satellites that have an orbital period of one day called? What are they useful in?
A
Geostationary satellites - useful in communications because they’re always over the same part of the planet
