ScienceAges 16-18

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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Age band:Ages 13-15 Ages 16-18

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12000 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 = 12000 km · T = 20 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 9100 km with an orbital period of T = 13 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 9100 km · T = 13 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 900 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 = 900 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2400 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 = 2400 km · T = 6 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 10000 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 = 10000 km · T = 20 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. 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
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1100 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 = 1100 km · T = 11 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6000 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 = 6000 km · T = 12 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
9. 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
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7700 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 = 7700 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. 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
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2100 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 = 2100 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

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Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 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 × 12000) ÷ 20 = 75360 ÷ 20 = 3768 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 9100 km with an orbital period of T = 13 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 × 9100) ÷ 13 = 57148 ÷ 13 = 4396 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 900 km with an orbital period of T = 2 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 × 900) ÷ 2 = 5652 ÷ 2 = 2826 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2400 km with an orbital period of T = 6 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 × 2400) ÷ 6 = 15072 ÷ 6 = 2512 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 10000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 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 × 10000) ÷ 20 = 62800 ÷ 20 = 3140 km/h.
6. 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.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1100 km with an orbital period of T = 11 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 × 1100) ÷ 11 = 6908 ÷ 11 = 628 km/h.
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6000 km with an orbital period of T = 12 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 × 6000) ÷ 12 = 37680 ÷ 12 = 3140 km/h.
9. 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.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7700 km with an orbital period of T = 14 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 × 7700) ÷ 14 = 48356 ÷ 14 = 3454 km/h.
11. 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.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2100 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 2100) ÷ 7 = 13188 ÷ 7 = 1884 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12000 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 = 12000 km · T = 20 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 9100 km with an orbital period of T = 13 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 9100 km · T = 13 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 900 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 = 900 km · T = 2 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2400 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 = 2400 km · T = 6 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 10000 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 = 10000 km · T = 20 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. 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
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1100 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 = 1100 km · T = 11 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6000 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 = 6000 km · T = 12 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
9. 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
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7700 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 = 7700 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. 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
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2100 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 = 2100 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Orbital speed of planets & satellites

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 12000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 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 × 12000) ÷ 20 = 75360 ÷ 20 = 3768 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 9100 km with an orbital period of T = 13 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 × 9100) ÷ 13 = 57148 ÷ 13 = 4396 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 900 km with an orbital period of T = 2 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 × 900) ÷ 2 = 5652 ÷ 2 = 2826 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2400 km with an orbital period of T = 6 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 × 2400) ÷ 6 = 15072 ÷ 6 = 2512 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 10000 km with an orbital period of T = 20 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 × 10000) ÷ 20 = 62800 ÷ 20 = 3140 km/h.
6. 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.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1100 km with an orbital period of T = 11 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 × 1100) ÷ 11 = 6908 ÷ 11 = 628 km/h.
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 6000 km with an orbital period of T = 12 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 × 6000) ÷ 12 = 37680 ÷ 12 = 3140 km/h.
9. 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.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7700 km with an orbital period of T = 14 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 × 7700) ÷ 14 = 48356 ÷ 14 = 3454 km/h.
11. 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.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 2100 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 2100) ÷ 7 = 13188 ÷ 7 = 1884 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification