Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 8: Problem 6

Could you put a satellite in an orbit that keeps it stationary over the south pole? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, a satellite cannot be placed in a stationary orbit over the South Pole due to the Earth's rotation and gravitational pull.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the mechanics behind orbits

Satellites stay in orbit due to the balance between their velocity and the gravitational pull of the planet they orbit. They constantly fall towards the planet, but their horizontal motion causes them to continuously 'miss' the planet.
02

Explain geostationary orbits

Geostationary orbits allow satellites to remain stationary relative to an observer on earth. This situation occurs when a satellite orbits at an altitude where its orbital period matches the rotational period of the Earth (approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Earth). And this can only happen over the equator.
03

Apply this understanding to the South Pole

With the above information, we can infer that a stable, geostationary orbit cannot be achieved over the poles. This is because the movement of the satellite would need to be synchronized with the rotation of the Earth, but the Earth rotates from West to East, not North to South.
04

Conclude the explanation

Therefore, a satellite cannot be placed in a stationary orbit over the South Pole due to the way in which the principles of physics operate in the universe with Earth's rotation and gravity.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A projectile is launched vertically upward from a planet of mass \(M\) and radius \(R ;\) its initial speed is twice the escape speed. Derive an expression for its speed as a function of the distance \(r\) from the planet's center.

Does the gravitational force of the Sun do work on a planet in a circular orbit? In an elliptical orbit? Explain.

Why are satellites generally launched eastward and from low latitudes? (Hint: Think about Earth's rotation.)

The force of gravity on an object is proportional to the object's mass, yet all objects fall with the same gravitational acceleration. Why?

You're the navigator on a spaceship studying an unexplored planet. Your ship has just gone into a circular orbit around the planet, and you determine that the gravitational acceleration at your orbital altitude is half what it would be at the surface. What do you report for your altitude, in terms of the planet's radius?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Scientific Method Physics

Read Explanation

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Read Explanation

Thermodynamics

Read Explanation

Fields in Physics

Read Explanation

Kinematics Physics

Read Explanation

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free