WAEC Physics 2023 Theory — Question 4

Model answer

Geostationary satellite vs Polar satellite: (i) Period of revolution is the same as the period of rotation of the earth (24 hrs/1 day) for geostationary, while for polar satellites the period of revolution is not the same as the period of rotation of the Earth (it varies). (ii) Geostationary satellites orbit directly along the equator/latitude, while polar satellites travel from pole to pole along the longitude. (iii) A geostationary satellite appears to be in a stationary position above a point on the Earth's surface relative to the Earth, while a polar satellite is not always in the same position relative to Earth. (iv) A geostationary satellite provides continuous coverage of a specific region/area, while a polar satellite provides global coverage.