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Space

Orbits

To explain how gravity keeps planets and satellites in orbit and why orbital speed depends on the orbit.

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What you will learn

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Why gravity keeps planets and satellites in orbit

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Why orbital motion involves changing velocity

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How circular orbits can have constant speed

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How orbital speed relates to orbital radius

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How to describe stable orbits around a larger body

Explanation

Gravity provides the resultant force that keeps a planet or satellite in orbit. In a circular orbit, speed may stay constant while velocity changes because direction changes. For stable circular orbits around the same central body, a larger radius corresponds to a smaller orbital speed. Direction-changing and speed–radius explanations are Higher tier. Example: Explain the Moon’s orbit. Earth’s gravitational attraction continually changes the Moon’s direction of motion. Identify cause and effect.

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