Question

Out of the following statements, the one which correctly describes a satellite orbiting about the earth is

• A. There is no force acting on the satellite
• B. The acceleration and velocity of the satellite are roughly in the same direction
• C. The satellite is always accelerating about the earth
• D. The satellite must fall, back to earth when its fuel is exhausted.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The satellite is always accelerating about the earth

When a satellite is revolving around the Earth, it is because of the gravitational force towards the Earth that acts as a centripetal force. Since the initial speed is less than the escape speed, Earths gravity constantly pulls the satellite towards the center of the Earth. So, a satellite is always accelerating about the Earth.