What provides the centripetal force on a satellite and what are the factors that determine the size of the centripetal force on the satellite

Centripetal Force = (mv^2)/r 

The centripetal force must always act towards the centre of the circle in which the satellite is travelling. Therefore it is a attractive force from the Earth and hence gravitational attraction that provides the centripetal force. 

From the above equation we can see that the centripetal force relies on three things: 

m = the mass of the satellite 

v = the velocity at which the satellite is travelling 

r = radius of the orbit (the distance between the satellite and the earth) 

So these are the factors affecting the centripetal force. 

NH
Answered by Namita H. Physics tutor

12538 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is the nuclear model better than the plum pudding model of the atom?


A bomb of mass 34kg, at rest is detonated. The explosion splits the bomb into two pieces, one of mass 13kg, which is thrown to the left at a velocity of 28 m/s. What is the velocity of the second piece?


An electric whisk in a bakery has two motors, each with an average power of 1500W. The whisk is used for 4 hours each day, 7 days a week. Electricity costs 18p per kilowatt-hour. Calculate the cost of the electricity used by the whisk in one week.


explain the relationship between resistance and voltage in a filament lamp


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning