Question

A satellite in earth orbit experiences a small drag force as it enters the earth's atmosphere. Two students were asked consequence of this
Student-A : The satellite would slow down as, it spirals towards earth due to work of frictional force.
Student-B : The satellite speed up due to earths gravitational pull as it spirals towards earth.

• A. A is correct, B is wrong
• B. B is correct, A is wrong
• C. both are correct
• D. both are wrong

Answer 1

The correct option is B B is correct, A is wrong

Let, $U+K=c$ where c is some constant. As the body spirals down, $U\downarrow ,K\uparrow$. Thus, speed of the satellite increases and the influence of air friction is negligable.