Chapter 14, Problem 32A

Why do you suppose that sites close to the equator are preferred for launching satellites? (Hint: Look at the spinning Earth from above either pole and compare it to a spinning turntable.)

To determine

To explain: The reason for supposing that sites close to the equator are preferred for launching satellites.

Answer to Problem 32A

Greater tangential Earth velocity helps with the satellite launch.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Earth spins from west to east.

Every satellite moves in the orbit perpendicular to the Earth orbit with the tangential velocity. When a satellite is launched with escape velocity, then using the Earth spin rate and direction, greater tangential velocity is imparted to the satellite. Now, to stay in the orbit and keep moving at the same distance from the Earth’s surface, the satellite needs to move perpendicular to the Earth’s surface.

Conclusion:

Thus, sites that are closer to the equator are preferred for launching because greater tangential velocity is applied.