Question

For a satellite to be geostationary, which of the following are essential conditions?
(A) it must always be stationary above the equator
(B) it must be rotate from west to east
(C) it must be about 3600 km above the earth surface
(D) it’s orbit must be circular, and not elliptical

Answer 1

Hint: The geostationary satellites move almost in a similar manner as the earth moves near the equator of the earth. Due to this type of movement, the satellites look like stationary objects form the surface of the earth. Use this concept for the determination of the correct answer.


Complete step by step answer

The geostationary satellites are used for the communication purpose and for the observation also. The geostationary satellites are used to observe some areas of the earth for getting some useful information. The communication related to the small mobiles phones cannot be done by the geostationary satellite, but the geostationary satellites are useful for radio communication as well as TV transmission.

The geostationary satellites look like stationary objects from the earth because its movement is almost similar to the earth. The relative revolution of the geostationary satellite with the earth is zero that why it takes 24 hr for its one complete revolution, The earth rotates from west to east, so the geostationary also rotates from west to east. The orbit of the geostationary satellite from the earth is almost equal to 36000 km, and its orbit must be circular.

Therefore, all the given options are correct.


Note: The satellites used for telecommunications always remain above one given point on the earth surface. The weather forecasting, broadcasting of television programs can be done with the help of geostationary satellites. This type of satellite can observe the particular area on the earth up to 24 hrs.