Question

A satellite of earth is revolving in a circular orbit with uniform velocity $v$. If gravitational force suddenly disappears, the satellite will:

• A. continue to move the speed along original orbit
• B. will fall to earth
• C. move with velocity $v$ tangent to original orbit
• D. will fly away from earth due to absence of gravitational pull

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

move with velocity $v$ tangent to original orbit

When gravitational force on satellite suddenly disappears, the satellite will move with its velocity $v$ tangent to its original orbit, due to inertia of motion.