Question

A satellite is revolving around the Earth in a well defined circular orbit. The gravitational force between the Earth and the satellite is the centripetal force of the circular motion. What can we say about the motion of the satellite, if the gravitational force becomes zero?

• A. The satellite will continue moving in its circular orbit.
• B. The satellite will move tangentially.
• C. The satellite would come at rest.
• D. The satellite will fall towards the center of the Earth.

Answer 1

The correct option is B The satellite will move tangentially.

As the gravitational force becomes zero, there would be no centripetal force, that is causing the circular motion. So, the satellite would move tangentially from its circular orbit.

Alternate solution:
As gravitational force becomes zero, acceleration will become zero too. So, the satellite will continue to move with the velocity at the point, which is in the tangential direction.