Question

A satellite revolves around the earth in an elliptical orbits. Its speed

(a) is the same at all points in the orbit

(b) is greatest when it is closest to the earth

(c) is greatest when it is farthest from the earth

(d) None of the above

Answer 1

(b) is greatest when it is closest to the earth

Velocity = \(\sqrt{\frac{GM}{(R + h)}}\)

So we can see that minimum height maximizes velocity that’s why speed is greatest when it is closest to the earth.