What happens if a satellite orbits Earth with a 24-hour period?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Appears stationary.
When a satellite’s orbital period matches Earth's rotational period of 24 hours, and it orbits directly above the equator, it is in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). To an observer on the ground, the satellite appears to hang fixed in the same spot in the sky because it moves at the exact same angular velocity as the Earth. This characteristic is vital for telecommunications and weather monitoring, as it allows ground antennas to remain pointed at one position without tracking.