Explore the motion of a satellite as it orbits earth. In this simulation, satellite motion is computed using realistic values for Earth’s mass, orbital radius, and satellite speed.
Controls:
- Satellite speed
- Satellite orbital radius from Earth
- Satellite mass
Displays:
- Numerical: satellite speed, satellite orbital radius, satellite mass
- Bar graphs: satellite kinetic energy, satellite potential energy, satellite total mechanical energy
- Vector arrows: satellite velocity, gravitational force on satellite
Download the PDF version of the Satellite Motion Lab, suitable for AP Physics C students. The lab requires students to compute satellite potential and kinetic energy, angular momentum, and to derive the orbital radius and orbital speed for a geosynchronous orbit:
