A Satellite Is Placed in a Circular Orbit to Observe

question 31

Multiple Choice

A satellite is placed in a circular orbit to observe the surface of Mars from an altitude of 144 km. The equatorial radius of Mars is 3397 km. If the speed of the satellite is 3480 m/s, what is the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the satellite?

• A)2.17 m/s²
• B)2.60 m/s²
• C)2.99 m/s²
• D)3.42 m/s²
• E)4.05 m/s²

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Definitions:

Neutrons

Subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electrical charge and a mass slightly larger than that of protons.

Isotope

Variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number, but share the same number of protons.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles within atoms, essential for conducting electricity in solid materials.

Iron

A metal element with the symbol Fe, known for its magnetic properties and widely used in construction, manufacturing, and biochemistry.