Physics A-Level
Circular orbital motion
What Circular orbital motion means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Circular orbital motion
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Circular orbital motion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A planet moving around the Sun follows a curved path, so it must have a centripetal acceleration directed towards the Sun.
Topics that use Circular orbital motion
- Planetary motion (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Equal areas in equal times
- Geostationary orbit
- Geosynchronous orbit
- Gravitational force as the centripetal force
- Period–semi-major-axis relationship
- Uses of geostationary satellites
- Derivation of Kepler's third law
- Elliptical planetary orbits
Using Circular orbital motion in the exam
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