Question

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

• A. Continue to move in its orbit with same velocity
• B. Move tangential to the original orbit with the same velocity
• C. Becomes sationary in its orbit
• D. Move towards the earth

Answer 1

The correct option is B Move tangential to the original orbit with the same velocity

For a body revolving around any object, it is bound by the centripetal force by the object on the body.
This force is along the line joining the body and the object. But the velocity of the body will be perpendicular to this force, that is tangential.
In this case, when the gravitational force becomes zero, there is no binding on the satellite to revolve around the Earth. Since it was moving with a velocity '$v$' in the tangential direction, it continues to move in the same direction with the same velocity '$v$'.
Example: Keep a stone on a rotating wheel. Stone will fly off the wheel tangential to the wheel's radius.