In: Physics
Draw a free body diagram for a satellite in an elliptical orbit showing why its speed increases as it approaches its parent body and decreases as it moves away
A satellite orbiting the parent body, say earth, in elliptical motion will experience a component of force in the same or the opposite direction as its motion. This force is capable of doing work upon the satellite. Thus, the force is capable of slowing down and speeding up the satellite.
When the satellite moves away from the earth, there is a component of force in the opposite direction as its motion. During this portion of the satellite's trajectory, the force does negative work upon the satellite and slows it down.
When the satellite moves towards the earth, there is a component of force in the same direction as its motion. During this portion of the satellite's trajectory, the force does positive work upon the satellite and speeds it up.
Subsequently, the speed of a satellite in elliptical motion is constantly changing - increasing as it moves closer to the earth and decreasing as it moves further from the earth. These principles are depicted in the diagram below.