Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 10 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 201: 16

Answer

When a satellite is in an elliptical orbit, at almost all times there is a component of gravitational force in the direction of motion, doing work and changing the satellite's KE. As it moves farther away from the Earth, it slows down, and as it moves closer to the Earth, it regains that speed.

Work Step by Step

This is discussed on page 194 and shown in Figure 10.27.
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