Physics 5054 · O Level · Circular motion

Circular motion — practice question

Fig. 1.1 depicts a satellite moving at constant speed in a circular orbit around the Earth. The diagram labels a satellite going around the Earth. Fig. 1.1 (not to scale).
(a)[1]

State the difference between speed and velocity.

(b(i))[2]

Explain, using its velocity, why the satellite is accelerating.

(b(ii))[1]

On Fig. 1.1, draw an arrow that begins at the satellite to show the direction of the satellite’s acceleration.

(c)[2]

As the satellite moves around the Earth, it is acted on by a force from gravitational attraction. State and explain whether this force does work on the satellite and state whether the energy of the satellite is affected.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Speed is directionless / it is a scalar quantity

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