This resource is a simulation-based activity relating to gravitational potential energy (GPE) as a function of satellite-earth distance. Users may adjust the speed and initial position of a satellite in earth's gravitational field. Visible vectors and energy bar graphs help the student determine how to apply the law of energy conservation to predict the speed of an object moving in earth's gravitational field. Included in the "Help" section is a detailed lesson plan with supplementary activities and reference material.
This item is part of a larger collection of simulation-based physics modules sponsored by the MAP project (Modular Approach to Physics).
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/introphys/items/detail.cfm?ID=7139">University of Calgary. Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits . Calgary: University of Calgary, September 16, 2003.</a>
Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits (University of Calgary, Calgary, 2001), <http://canu.ucalgary.ca/map/content/energy/energy_cons/simulate/orbits/page2.html>.
Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits . (2003, September 16). Retrieved July 12, 2025, from University of Calgary: http://canu.ucalgary.ca/map/content/energy/energy_cons/simulate/orbits/page2.html
University of Calgary. Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits . Calgary: University of Calgary, September 16, 2003. http://canu.ucalgary.ca/map/content/energy/energy_cons/simulate/orbits/page2.html (accessed 12 July 2025).
Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits . Calgary: University of Calgary, 2001. 16 Sep. 2003. 12 July 2025 <http://canu.ucalgary.ca/map/content/energy/energy_cons/simulate/orbits/page2.html>.
@misc{
Title = {Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits },
Publisher = {University of Calgary},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {12 July 2025},
Month = {September 16, 2003},
Year = {2001}
}
%T Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits %D September 16, 2003 %I University of Calgary %C Calgary %U http://canu.ucalgary.ca/map/content/energy/energy_cons/simulate/orbits/page2.html %O application/java
%0 Electronic Source %D September 16, 2003 %T Modular Approach to Physics: Energy and Orbits %I University of Calgary %V 2025 %N 12 July 2025 %8 September 16, 2003 %9 application/java %U http://canu.ucalgary.ca/map/content/energy/energy_cons/simulate/orbits/page2.html
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