scientists are making plans to put a probe in orbit around earth. they want the probe to enter the orbit…
scientists are making plans to put a probe in orbit around earth. they want the probe to enter the orbit shown below. which arrow shows the direction that the probe should be moving in order for it to enter the orbit? o w o x o y o z
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Understand orbital motion
For a probe to enter an orbit around Earth, it needs a tangential velocity. The gravitational force of the Earth will then act as the centripetal - force to keep it in orbit.
Step2: Analyze the directions
Arrows Y and W are in non - tangential directions. Arrow Y is vertical and arrow W is towards the Earth. Arrow X is in the wrong tangential direction. Arrow Z is in the correct tangential direction for the probe to enter the shown orbit as the gravitational pull of the Earth will curve its path into the orbit.
Answer:
Z