A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth once every how long?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 24 hours
- Step 1: It must stay above one point on the Equator.
- Step 2: So its orbital period equals the Earth's rotation period, 24 hours.
Answer
24 hours.
Why not the others: 12 hours: this is half the Earth's rotation. 90 minutes: this is a low orbit. 365 days: this is the Earth's year.
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