Question

question 23 of 24 what will happen to a satellites orbit if its engines are turned on, causing it to gain velocity tangential to its orbit? a. it will lose kinetic energy. b. it will lose gravitational potential energy. c. the height of its orbit will increase. d. the height of its orbit will decrease.

Explanation:

When a satellite gains tangential velocity, its kinetic energy increases temporarily. This excess energy causes it to move to a higher orbit where gravitational potential energy increases (becomes less negative) and orbital speed decreases. The net effect is an increase in the orbit's height.

Answer:

C. The height of its orbit will increase.