Satellites and Gravity

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What is a satellite?

• any object affected by Earth's gravitational pull

• a manmade object that allows us to communicate or observe our environment

• any object that revolves around a planet in a circular or elliptical path

• a network of 24 objects in space that help people determine their location

What causes satellites to remain in orbit above Earth?

• Satellites achieve a balance between gravity and their velocity that keeps them in orbit.

• Satellites reach their escape velocity with the help of scientists and engineers.

• Satellites have a circular or elliptical orbit.

• Gravity pulls satellites sideways around Earth's curved surface.

We depend on satellites for many of our communication needs. What evidence from the text supports this conclusion?

• Satellites allow us to use the phone, Internet, television, and radio.

• Earth's gravitational pull on an object weakens the farther away it is from the planet's surface.

• Isaac Newton discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head.

What is the main idea of this text?

• Satellites allow us to communicate easily and learn more about the world we live in.

• Earth's gravity allows us to use satellites for communication and observation.

• Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity has revolutionized the way we think.

• Earth's escape velocity is more than 25,000 miles per hour.

“Manmade satellites have all kinds of important applications. Communications satellites, for instance, are satellites that are sent to orbit the Earth for the purpose of sending communication signals or messages.”

As used in the text, what does the word "applications" mean?

• lessons

• problems

• mysteries

• uses

What role do communication satellites play according to the text?

• They provide weather forecasts.

• They send communication signals or messages.

• They explore outer space.

• They monitor wildlife.

Gravity helps us watch television, talk on the phone, and use the Internet.

Explain whether this statement is true or false.

Support your answer with evidence from the text.