The point in the orbit of a satellite where it is closest to the main body.

The point in the orbit of a satellite where it is closest to the main body.

• A. Perihelion
• B. Slack Water
• C. Perigee
• D. Tidal Current

Answer: (C)

In orbital motion, the distance between the satellite and its central body varies along the path. The point where that distance is smallest is called the perigee when the central body is Earth. Since this question describes a satellite orbiting the main body (Earth), perigee is the correct term. The opposite point, farthest from the body, is apogee. If the central body were the Sun, the closest point would be perihelion. The other terms listed aren’t related to orbital geometry—slack water and tidal current refer to coastal water movement rather than orbits. At perigee the satellite moves fastest because gravity is strongest there.

In orbital motion, the distance between the satellite and its central body varies along the path. The point where that distance is smallest is called the perigee when the central body is Earth. Since this question describes a satellite orbiting the main body (Earth), perigee is the correct term. The opposite point, farthest from the body, is apogee. If the central body were the Sun, the closest point would be perihelion. The other terms listed aren’t related to orbital geometry—slack water and tidal current refer to coastal water movement rather than orbits. At perigee the satellite moves fastest because gravity is strongest there.