Question

If suddenly the gravitational force of attraction between earth and a satellite revolving aroung it becomes zero, then the satellite will

• A. Continue to move in its orbit with same velocity
• B. Move tangentialy to the original orbit with the same velocity
• C. Become satationary in its orbit
• D. Move towards the earth

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Move tangentialy to the original orbit with the same velocity

When gravitational force becomes zero, centripetal force on satellite becomes zero, so satellite will move tangentially to the original orbit with same velocity because of the conservation of momentum and energy.