Satellite Motion Simulation
Resource Downloads
The Following Information is Provided to the Student
Question: How do the magnitude and direction of the velocity and net force vector for a perfectly circular orbit of a satellite compared to that for an elliptical orbit of a satellite?
Purpose: To compare and contrast the magnitude and direction of the velocity and the net force for a perfectly circular orbit of a satellite to the elliptical orbit of a satellite.
A complete lab write-up includes a Title, a Purpose, a Data section, and a Conclusion/Discussion of Results. The Data section should include the provided sheet. The Conclusion/Discussion should include a comparison of the two types of orbital motion - circular and elliptical. Attention should be given to how the magnitude of the v and Fnet vectors change (or don't change) during the orbit and their direction relative to each other.
URL: https://www.physicsclassroom.com/interactive/circular-and-satellite-motion/orbital-motion
Scoring Ruberic
| CG6. | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| _____ | Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. | _____ / _____ |
| _____ | Data section includes provided diagram and questions; answers are complete and accurate; vector arrows are labeled. | |
| _____ | Conclusion/Discussion thoroughly and accurately describes how the magnitude of the v and the Fnet change (or don't change) during the course of an orbital path. The direction of these two vectors relative to each other is also discussed. Discussion reveals an intelligent understanding. |
Lab Details
Materials Required
A page from Interactives:
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/interactive/circular-and-satellite-motion/orbital-motion
Description of Procedure
Students log on to the above page and manipulate the variables of the animation in an effort to explore the answers to the given question (i.e., the Purpose).
Alternative Materials and Procedure
A more thorough approach to this lab is provided in the Interactives:
The alternative exercise is a guided exercise with an extensive procedure.
Safety Concerns
Suggestions, Precautions, Notes
- The online controls allow the eccentricity of the orbit to be altered; an eccentricity of 1.0 corresponds to a circle. Velocity and force vectors for the satellite can be displayed in order for students to explore the answer to the questions raised in the purpose.
- The controlled environment of this animation makes this activity a great means of assessing student understanding of variable control and manipulation. Students have an opportunity to experiment with changing variables and observing the outcome on a target variable without the added complication of manipulating and reading instruments.
Links
Connections to The Physics Classroom Tutorial:
The following reading is a suitable accompaniment to this lab:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/circles/u6l4b.cfm
Connections to Minds on Physics Internet Modules:
Sublevel 8 of the Circular and Satellite Motion module is a suitable accompaniment to this lab:
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/minds-on/circular-and-satellite-motion