A satellite moving in a circular orbit around the Earth has which of the following characteristic?

Question

A satellite moving in a circular orbit around the Earth has which of the following characteristic?

1. A. Zero acceleration
2. B. Constant speed but changing velocity (Correct answer)
3. C. Constant velocity
4. D. Decreasing energy

Correct Answer

Option B — Constant speed but changing velocity

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Constant speed but changing velocity.

Key Points

• A satellite in circular orbit moves at constant speed (magnitude of velocity is unchanged) but its direction changes continuously as it follows the circular path.
• Since velocity is a vector (speed + direction), the continuously changing direction means velocity is not constant, and there is centripetal acceleration directed towards the Earth.