Cause and Effect: What would happen to a space vehicle in orbit around Earth if it sped up?
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Question
Cause and Effect: What would happen to a space vehicle in orbit around Earth if it sped up?
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Answer:
G M m / R^2 = m v^2 / R gravitational force = centripetal force
G M = v^2 R = constant
As v increases R will must decrease
Take the moon as an example
S = 2 pi R where R is about 240,000 miles for one orbit
S / 1 day = 54,000 miles/day for a 28 day circuit
S / 1 hr = 54000 / 24 = 2200 mph which is much less than a satellite in orbit