ORBITAL SPEED Meaning and
Definition
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Orbital speed refers to the velocity at which an object, usually a satellite or celestial body, revolves around another body in space. It is the minimum speed required for an object to maintain a stable orbit without experiencing a net force that could cause it to deviate from its path.
Mathematically, orbital speed is determined by the specific combination of gravitational pull and centrifugal force acting on the object. These forces work in an equilibrium, resulting in a circular or elliptical orbit. The orbital speed is directly influenced by the mass of the central body being orbited and the distance from it.
The concept of orbital speed is crucial in space exploration and satellite missions. It determines the trajectory, altitude, and time period of revolution for objects in space. Different celestial bodies have different orbital speeds depending on their size, mass, and proximity to other objects. For instance, the Earth's orbital speed around the Sun is about 30 kilometers per second (18.64 miles per second).
Orbital speed also plays a role in terms of escape velocity, which is the speed required for an object to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body. In essence, it is the minimum speed needed to escape a particular orbit and venture into deeper space or onto a new trajectory.
Common Misspellings for ORBITAL SPEED
- irbital speed
- krbital speed
- lrbital speed
- prbital speed
- 0rbital speed
- 9rbital speed
- oebital speed
- odbital speed
- ofbital speed
- otbital speed
- o5bital speed
- o4bital speed
- orvital speed
- ornital speed
- orhital speed
- orgital speed
- orbutal speed
- orbjtal speed
- orbktal speed
- orbotal speed
Etymology of ORBITAL SPEED
The word "orbital speed" is composed of two parts: "orbital" and "speed".
The term "orbital" is derived from the Latin word "orbis", which means "circle" or "ring". In astronomy and physics, "orbital" refers to the path or trajectory that a celestial object, such as a planet or a satellite, follows as it revolves around another celestial body, typically in a circular or elliptical motion.
The word "speed" originates from the Old English word "spēd", which means "success", "prosperity", or "good fortune". In the context of physics, "speed" refers to the rate at which an object covers a distance in a given amount of time. It quantifies the velocity of an object, often measured in units such as meters per second or kilometers per hour.
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