Question

If a satellite is orbiting in space having air and no energy is being supplied, the path of the satellite

• A. Circular
• B. Spiral of decreasing radius
• C. Spiral of increasing radius
• D. None of them

Answer 1

The correct option is A Circular

As per the question it is clear the there is no energy is being spent in the motion of the satellite.

Hence

$K.E.=P.E.$

This is possible only when the satellite is orbiting in the circular orbit.

As the radius of the circle remains constant so the speed also remains constant and hence the kinetic energy of satellite which is dependent on speed remain constant throughout.

The height of the satellite revolving around the earth also remains constant if it is revolving around the earth so the potential energy of the satellite remains constant throughout the motion as it depends on the height.