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 = 1200 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 = 1200 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 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 = 200 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4900 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 = 4900 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5500 km with an orbital period of T = 10 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 5500 km · T = 10 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 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 = 200 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4950 km with an orbital period of T = 11 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 4950 km · T = 11 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2800 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 = 2800 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. 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
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4000 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 = 4000 km · T = 8 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6800 km with an orbital period of T = 17 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 6800 km · T = 17 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 14000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 14000 km · T = 20 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2700 km with an orbital period of T = 6 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 2700 km · T = 6 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = 1200 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1884 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1200) ÷ 4 = 7536 ÷ 4 = 1884 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
314 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 200) ÷ 4 = 1256 ÷ 4 = 314 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4900 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 4900) ÷ 7 = 30772 ÷ 7 = 4396 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5500 km with an orbital period of T = 10 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 × 5500) ÷ 10 = 34540 ÷ 10 = 3454 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 km with an orbital period of T = 2 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 × 200) ÷ 2 = 1256 ÷ 2 = 628 km/h.
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4950 km with an orbital period of T = 11 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
2826 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 4950) ÷ 11 = 31086 ÷ 11 = 2826 km/h.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2800 km with an orbital period of T = 14 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 × 2800) ÷ 14 = 17584 ÷ 14 = 1256 km/h.
8. 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.
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4000 km with an orbital period of T = 8 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
3140 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 4000) ÷ 8 = 25120 ÷ 8 = 3140 km/h.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6800 km with an orbital period of T = 17 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 × 6800) ÷ 17 = 42704 ÷ 17 = 2512 km/h.
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 14000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 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 × 14000) ÷ 20 = 87920 ÷ 20 = 4396 km/h.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2700 km with an orbital period of T = 6 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
2826 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 2700) ÷ 6 = 16956 ÷ 6 = 2826 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = 1200 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 = 1200 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 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 = 200 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4900 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 = 4900 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5500 km with an orbital period of T = 10 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 5500 km · T = 10 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 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 = 200 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4950 km with an orbital period of T = 11 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 4950 km · T = 11 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2800 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 = 2800 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. 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
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4000 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 = 4000 km · T = 8 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6800 km with an orbital period of T = 17 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 6800 km · T = 17 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 14000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 14000 km · T = 20 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2700 km with an orbital period of T = 6 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 2700 km · T = 6 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = 1200 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
1884 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 1200) ÷ 4 = 7536 ÷ 4 = 1884 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 km with an orbital period of T = 4 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
314 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 200) ÷ 4 = 1256 ÷ 4 = 314 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4900 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 4900) ÷ 7 = 30772 ÷ 7 = 4396 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5500 km with an orbital period of T = 10 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 × 5500) ÷ 10 = 34540 ÷ 10 = 3454 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 200 km with an orbital period of T = 2 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 × 200) ÷ 2 = 1256 ÷ 2 = 628 km/h.
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4950 km with an orbital period of T = 11 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
2826 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 4950) ÷ 11 = 31086 ÷ 11 = 2826 km/h.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2800 km with an orbital period of T = 14 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 × 2800) ÷ 14 = 17584 ÷ 14 = 1256 km/h.
8. 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.
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4000 km with an orbital period of T = 8 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
3140 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 4000) ÷ 8 = 25120 ÷ 8 = 3140 km/h.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6800 km with an orbital period of T = 17 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 × 6800) ÷ 17 = 42704 ÷ 17 = 2512 km/h.
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 14000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 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 × 14000) ÷ 20 = 87920 ÷ 20 = 4396 km/h.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2700 km with an orbital period of T = 6 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
2826 km/h
Orbital speed v = (2 × 3.14 × 2700) ÷ 6 = 16956 ÷ 6 = 2826 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification