TeXes Science Practice Test

A satellite can be compared to which of the following objects?

1. Rocket

2. Ball

3. Projectile

4. Plane

The correct answer is: Projectile

A satellite can be compared to a projectile because both are objects that move through space under the influence of gravity. A projectile, such as a thrown ball or an object fired from a cannon, follows a path (or trajectory) determined primarily by its initial velocity and the force of gravity acting on it. Similarly, once a satellite is launched and reaches a certain altitude, it travels in a curved path around the Earth due to the gravitational pull of the planet. This gravitational force keeps the satellite in orbit, much like how a projectile follows a curved path until gravity eventually pulls it back to the ground. The key factor in this comparison is the continuous motion influenced by gravity and the initial velocity provided to both projectiles and satellites. In contrast, a rocket is primarily a vehicle designed to propel objects into space, while a plane relies on aerodynamic lift and thrust to fly within the Earth's atmosphere. A ball does not have the same qualities of orbital motion or the concept of maintaining a specific trajectory over time due to gravity.