Question textThree classmates debate how Newton’s law of universal gravitation explains satellite motion.Task: For each student, select the option that best evaluates the reasoning. Student 1“A satellite in circular orbit around Earth is not accelerating because its speed remains constant.”Answer 1 Question 22[select: , Correct. Speed is constant, so there is no acceleration in orbit., Incorrect. Even though speed is constant, velocity is continuously changing direction, so the satellite is accelerating toward Earth., Acceleration only occurs if the satellite changes altitude.] Student 2“The force of gravity on a satellite decreases with increasing distance, but if the satellite moves farther out, it must move faster to stay in orbit.”Answer 2 Question 22[select: , Correct. A satellite farther away needs higher velocity to maintain orbit., Incorrect. A satellite farther from Earth actually moves slower; weaker fields mean longer orbital periods., Orbital speed is the same for all satellites regardless of altitude.] Student 3“The International Space Station orbits low above Earth. Its orbital period is short because the gravitational field is stronger closer to Earth.”Answer 3 Question 22[select: , Correct. Stronger fields at lower altitudes produce higher orbital speeds and shorter periods., Incorrect. Lower satellites move more slowly, so their periods are longer., Orbital period does not depend on altitude.]