Circular Orbits
Lesson notes
Overview
At exactly the right sideways speed, a falling object keeps missing the planet. This topic is rated beginner and is number 34 of 227 in Physics. Core ideas and first intuitions. No prior knowledge needed.
What you are seeing
The panel above shows bodies moving under gravity, with the paths they trace. The animation is drawn live from the model, so everything you see responds to the sliders. Press Space to pause, use Restart to replay from the start, and change the speed to slow down quick events.
In depth
A satellite is a projectile that moves sideways fast enough that the ground curves away beneath it as quickly as it falls. For a circular orbit gravity supplies the centripetal force, so GMm/r² = mv²/r and v = √(GM/r). At low Earth orbit that is about 7.8 km/s, giving a period of roughly 90 minutes. Higher orbits are slower, and an astronaut is weightless because they are in continuous free fall.
Reading the relationship
The expression "v = √(GM/r)" is a compact summary of the idea. It uses the symbols v, G, M, r; name what each one stands for before you start. Notice that it contains a square root, so the result grows more slowly than the quantity inside it, and a ratio, so increasing the denominator makes the result smaller. Then use the sliders to see how changing one quantity changes the others.
A guided exploration
1. Run the animation once with the default settings and describe in words what happens. 2. Change one slider at a time and note which quantity responds most. 3. Push each slider to its extreme and decide whether the result still makes sense.
Try this
Start by only moving one slider at a time. Say aloud what you expect, then check.
Common pitfalls
Check units and directions first. Many mistakes come from mixing up a scalar with a vector, or from using a formula outside the conditions where it holds.
How it connects
It builds on “Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion”, the topic before it in Physics. Once you are comfortable, continue with “Escape Velocity”.
Why it matters
Physics explains how the world moves, heats, shines and interacts, and the same principles power technology around you.
Where you might use it
- Revising “Circular Orbits” before a class, exam or certification
- Designing vehicles, bridges and devices where motion, forces or waves must be predicted
- Understanding how sensors, lasers and communication links actually work
- Explaining everyday phenomena such as sound, light, heat and orbits
Frequently asked questions
What is Circular Orbits?
At exactly the right sideways speed, a falling object keeps missing the planet. It is a beginner topic in Physics.
How do I use the Circular Orbits simulation?
The panel at the top shows bodies moving under gravity, with the paths they trace. Move the sliders one at a time, then press Space to pause the animation and look closer.
What does the formula mean?
The expression v = √(GM/r) packs the idea into symbols. Name each symbol first, then change one quantity with the sliders and see which others respond.
Who is this topic for?
Core ideas and first intuitions. No prior knowledge needed. If the quiz feels hard, reread the lesson notes and try the previous topic first.
What should I learn before this?
Start with “Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion”, the previous topic in Physics. Each topic in a subject builds on the ones before it.
How do I track my progress?
Press “Mark as learned” on this page. Progress is stored only in this browser and is never sent anywhere. The Browse page can show topics you have learned or still need to learn.