Stable orbit
What Stable orbit means in Physics GCSE, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Stable orbit
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Stable orbit in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A satellite stays in a stable circular orbit when gravity supplies exactly the centripetal force it needs.
Topics that use Stable orbit
- Beyond Earth (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Absorption and emission of radiation
- Artificial satellites: geostationary and polar orbits
- Constant speed with changing direction
- Cosmic microwave background radiation
- Effect of the atmosphere on electromagnetic radiation
- Equilibrium between collapse and expansion
- Gravitational force towards the centre
- Greenhouse effect and Earth's temperature
Using Stable orbit in the exam
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