Question

Moon is revolving in a circular orbit with a uniform velocity $V_0$. If the gravitational force suddenly disappears, the moon will

• A. continue to move in the same orbit
• B. move with a velocity $V_0$ tangentially to the orbit
• C. fall down freely
• D. ultimately comes to rest

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

move with a velocity $V_0$ tangentially to the orbit

If the gravitational pull on the moon suddenly disappears, the centripetal force acting on the moon is no longer present and hence, the moon escapes the orbit on a tangential path at velocity equal to $V_0$ as no force is available to make it revolve in a circle.