ScienceAges 13-15

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Use the O Level Space Physics orbital speed equation v = 2πr ÷ T to calculate the speed of an orbiting satellite or planet. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7200 km with an orbital period of T = 12 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 7200 km · T = 12 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1200 km with an orbital period of T = 8 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1200 km · T = 8 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 500 km with an orbital period of T = 5 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 500 km · T = 5 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2250 km with an orbital period of T = 3 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 2250 km · T = 3 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3500 km with an orbital period of T = 14 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 3500 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1600 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1600 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 11250 km with an orbital period of T = 15 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 11250 km · T = 15 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1000 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1000 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12600 km with an orbital period of T = 18 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 12600 km · T = 18 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 400 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 400 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3850 km with an orbital period of T = 7 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 3850 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1300 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1300 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

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Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7200 km with an orbital period of T = 12 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
3768 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 7200) ÷ 12 = 45216 ÷ 12 = 3768 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1200 km with an orbital period of T = 8 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
942 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1200) ÷ 8 = 7536 ÷ 8 = 942 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 500 km with an orbital period of T = 5 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
628 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 500) ÷ 5 = 3140 ÷ 5 = 628 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2250 km with an orbital period of T = 3 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4710 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 2250) ÷ 3 = 14130 ÷ 3 = 4710 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3500 km with an orbital period of T = 14 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1570 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 3500) ÷ 14 = 21980 ÷ 14 = 1570 km/h.
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1600 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
2512 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1600) ÷ 4 = 10048 ÷ 4 = 2512 km/h.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 11250 km with an orbital period of T = 15 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4710 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 11250) ÷ 15 = 70650 ÷ 15 = 4710 km/h.
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1000 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1570 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1000) ÷ 4 = 6280 ÷ 4 = 1570 km/h.
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12600 km with an orbital period of T = 18 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4396 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 12600) ÷ 18 = 79128 ÷ 18 = 4396 km/h.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 400 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1256 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 400) ÷ 2 = 2512 ÷ 2 = 1256 km/h.
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3850 km with an orbital period of T = 7 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
3454 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 3850) ÷ 7 = 24178 ÷ 7 = 3454 km/h.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1300 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4082 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1300) ÷ 2 = 8164 ÷ 2 = 4082 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7200 km with an orbital period of T = 12 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 7200 km · T = 12 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1200 km with an orbital period of T = 8 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1200 km · T = 8 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 500 km with an orbital period of T = 5 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 500 km · T = 5 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2250 km with an orbital period of T = 3 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 2250 km · T = 3 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3500 km with an orbital period of T = 14 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 3500 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1600 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1600 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 11250 km with an orbital period of T = 15 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 11250 km · T = 15 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1000 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1000 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12600 km with an orbital period of T = 18 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 12600 km · T = 18 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 400 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 400 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3850 km with an orbital period of T = 7 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 3850 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1300 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 1300 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7200 km with an orbital period of T = 12 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
3768 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 7200) ÷ 12 = 45216 ÷ 12 = 3768 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1200 km with an orbital period of T = 8 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
942 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1200) ÷ 8 = 7536 ÷ 8 = 942 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 500 km with an orbital period of T = 5 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
628 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 500) ÷ 5 = 3140 ÷ 5 = 628 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2250 km with an orbital period of T = 3 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4710 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 2250) ÷ 3 = 14130 ÷ 3 = 4710 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3500 km with an orbital period of T = 14 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1570 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 3500) ÷ 14 = 21980 ÷ 14 = 1570 km/h.
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1600 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
2512 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1600) ÷ 4 = 10048 ÷ 4 = 2512 km/h.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 11250 km with an orbital period of T = 15 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4710 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 11250) ÷ 15 = 70650 ÷ 15 = 4710 km/h.
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1000 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1570 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1000) ÷ 4 = 6280 ÷ 4 = 1570 km/h.
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12600 km with an orbital period of T = 18 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4396 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 12600) ÷ 18 = 79128 ÷ 18 = 4396 km/h.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 400 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1256 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 400) ÷ 2 = 2512 ÷ 2 = 1256 km/h.
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3850 km with an orbital period of T = 7 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
3454 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 3850) ÷ 7 = 24178 ÷ 7 = 3454 km/h.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1300 km with an orbital period of T = 2 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
4082 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1300) ÷ 2 = 8164 ÷ 2 = 4082 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification