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Science Bowl Question

📅 MIT Science Bowl 2022🎓 HS🔄 Round 2#️⃣ Question 18 TOSS UP📝 Multiple Choice

A satellite is in a circular orbit around a planet. Over a long time, air friction dissipates some of its energy as heat. This happens slowly enough that the orbit remains approximately circular at all times. Which of the following best describes the change in the satellite's orbit?

W) Its velocity decreases, and its orbital radius decreases
X) Its velocity decreases, and its orbital radius increases
Y) Its velocity increases, and its orbital radius decreases
Z) Its velocity increases, and its orbital radius increases
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