Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A circular orbit is a path followed by an object around another object, where the distance between them remains constant. It is characterized by a constant radius and uniform speed.
Related terms
Elliptical Orbit: An elliptical orbit is a path followed by an object around another object, where the distance between them varies. It is characterized by varying distances and speeds throughout its trajectory.
Kepler's Laws: Kepler's laws describe the motion of planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system. They provide mathematical relationships that govern orbital motion and help us understand how objects move in space.
Centripetal force is the inward force acting on an object moving in a circular path. It keeps the object from flying off tangentially and maintains its circular orbit.