Question

Which of the following is responsible for keeping a satellite in orbit?

• A. centripetal force
• B. frictional force
• C. gravitational force of the earth
• D. circular motion

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

The correct options are
A centripetal force
C gravitational force of the earth
D circular motion

Gravity is a force of attraction between masses. It provides the centripetal force needed to keep a satellite in orbit around a planet, or a planet in orbit around a star such as the Sun. The motion of the moon around the earth is due to the centripetal force. The centripetal force is provided by the force of attraction of the earth. If there were no such force, the moon would pursue a uniform straight line motion.