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 = 4200 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 = 4200 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8450 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 = 8450 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 = 18 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 900 km · T = 18 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3600 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 = 3600 km · T = 8 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1700 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 = 1700 km · T = 17 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 600 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 = 600 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8000 km with an orbital period of T = 16 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 8000 km · T = 16 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5600 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 = 5600 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3150 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 = 3150 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7150 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 = 7150 km · T = 11 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4550 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 = 4550 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4500 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 = 4500 km · T = 15 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 = 4200 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 4200) ÷ 7 = 26376 ÷ 7 = 3768 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8450 km with an orbital period of T = 13 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 × 8450) ÷ 13 = 53066 ÷ 13 = 4082 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 900 km with an orbital period of T = 18 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 × 900) ÷ 18 = 5652 ÷ 18 = 314 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3600 km with an orbital period of T = 8 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 × 3600) ÷ 8 = 22608 ÷ 8 = 2826 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1700 km with an orbital period of T = 17 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 × 1700) ÷ 17 = 10676 ÷ 17 = 628 km/h.
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 600 km with an orbital period of T = 4 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 × 600) ÷ 4 = 3768 ÷ 4 = 942 km/h.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8000 km with an orbital period of T = 16 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 × 8000) ÷ 16 = 50240 ÷ 16 = 3140 km/h.
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5600 km with an orbital period of T = 14 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 × 5600) ÷ 14 = 35168 ÷ 14 = 2512 km/h.
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3150 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 3150) ÷ 7 = 19782 ÷ 7 = 2826 km/h.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7150 km with an orbital period of T = 11 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 × 7150) ÷ 11 = 44902 ÷ 11 = 4082 km/h.
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4550 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 4550) ÷ 7 = 28574 ÷ 7 = 4082 km/h.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4500 km with an orbital period of T = 15 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 × 4500) ÷ 15 = 28260 ÷ 15 = 1884 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 = 4200 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 = 4200 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8450 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 = 8450 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 = 18 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 900 km · T = 18 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3600 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 = 3600 km · T = 8 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1700 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 = 1700 km · T = 17 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 600 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 = 600 km · T = 4 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8000 km with an orbital period of T = 16 hours. Using v = 2πr ÷ T with π = 3.14, calculate its orbital speed in km/h.
Orbit Radius r = 8000 km · T = 16 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5600 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 = 5600 km · T = 14 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3150 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 = 3150 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7150 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 = 7150 km · T = 11 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4550 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 = 4550 km · T = 7 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4500 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 = 4500 km · T = 15 h · Orbital Speed: v = 2πr ÷ T

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 = 4200 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 4200) ÷ 7 = 26376 ÷ 7 = 3768 km/h.
2. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8450 km with an orbital period of T = 13 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 × 8450) ÷ 13 = 53066 ÷ 13 = 4082 km/h.
3. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 900 km with an orbital period of T = 18 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 × 900) ÷ 18 = 5652 ÷ 18 = 314 km/h.
4. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3600 km with an orbital period of T = 8 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 × 3600) ÷ 8 = 22608 ÷ 8 = 2826 km/h.
5. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 1700 km with an orbital period of T = 17 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 × 1700) ÷ 17 = 10676 ÷ 17 = 628 km/h.
6. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 600 km with an orbital period of T = 4 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 × 600) ÷ 4 = 3768 ÷ 4 = 942 km/h.
7. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 8000 km with an orbital period of T = 16 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 × 8000) ÷ 16 = 50240 ÷ 16 = 3140 km/h.
8. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 5600 km with an orbital period of T = 14 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 × 5600) ÷ 14 = 35168 ÷ 14 = 2512 km/h.
9. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 3150 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 3150) ÷ 7 = 19782 ÷ 7 = 2826 km/h.
10. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 7150 km with an orbital period of T = 11 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 × 7150) ÷ 11 = 44902 ÷ 11 = 4082 km/h.
11. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4550 km with an orbital period of T = 7 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 × 4550) ÷ 7 = 28574 ÷ 7 = 4082 km/h.
12. A satellite orbits in a circular path of radius r = 4500 km with an orbital period of T = 15 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 × 4500) ÷ 15 = 28260 ÷ 15 = 1884 km/h.

12 questions · Seed 45 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification