Question

Why does satellite keep moving in a circular orbit around Earth?

• A. The speed and direction is monitored by a pilot seating in the satellite all the time
• B. Earth keep pulling the satellite towards itself, hence the satellite changes its direction all the time and revolves in a circular orbit
• C. The satellite is maintained in a circular orbit with a magnetic field
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Earth keep pulling the satellite towards itself, hence the satellite changes its direction all the time and revolves in a circular orbit

The centripetal force acting on the satellite balances the gravitational force acting on it due to earth. But the gravitational force always try to pull the satellite towards itself, so the satellite continuously changes its direction without changing its speed so as to revolve in a circular orbit and centripetal force can balance the gravitational force.