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3 questions · 2011 · answers as per the UPSC key

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UPSC 2011 · Q3 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save

Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:

  1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
  2. The orbit is circular.
  3. The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.
  4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
UPSC 2011 · Q81 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save

An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth

(a) does not exist at such distance
(b) is neutralized by the attraction of the moon
(c) provides the necessary speed for its steady motion
(d) provides the necessary acceleration for its motion
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Answer: (d) provides the necessary acceleration for its motion
UPSC 2011 · Q86 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save

What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

  1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
  2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
  3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only