Question

An earth's satellite is moving in a circular orbit with a uniform speed v. If the gravitational force of the earth suddenly disappears, the satellite will:-

• A. vanish into outer space
• B. continue to move with velocity v in original orbit
• C. fall down with increasing
• D. fly off tangentially from the orbit with velocity v

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

fly off tangentially from the orbit with velocity v

Satellite will move tangentially to its circular orbit with the same velocity i.e V, this happens because of inertia of motion of the satellite. In absence of gravitational force there will be no centripetal force to keep the satellite in its circular orbit, so, it will fly off its track with its tangential velocity.