Mini-Quiz: Effect of Velocity on Orbital Motion

1. What are factors that determine whether the objects will collide?

   Tangential velocity and size of the objectsCorrect. You understand about orbital motion. Objects never collide when moving in spaceGood try, but not right. Select another answer. Separation of objectsSorry, not correct. Try another button.

2. What happens when the tangential velocity is slightly greater than required for a circular orbit?

   The object will spiral into the groundOops! Wrong answer. Re-read the question and try again. The object will go into an elliptical orbitThat is Correct. You know your Physics. The velocity will stabilize so that a circular orbit is maintainedSorry, not correct. Try another button.

3. What happens when the velocity is greater than the escape velocity?

   The object takes a parabolic pathGood try, but not right. Select another answer. The object takes a hyperbolic pathCorrect. You understand about orbital motion. It is impossible for a velocity to be greater than the escape velocityOops! Wrong answer. Re-read the question and try again.

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