A satellite travels around the Earth in a circular orbit. What is true about the forces acting in this situation? A. The resultant force is the same direction as the satellite's acceleration. B. The gravitational force acting on the satellite is negligible. C. There is no resultant force on the satellite relative to the Earth. D. The satellite does not exert any force on the Earth.

Question

Skyler Donovan

Physics

17 July, 10:19

A satellite travels around the Earth in a circular orbit. What is true about the forces acting in this situation? A. The resultant force is the same direction as the satellite's acceleration. B. The gravitational force acting on the satellite is negligible. C. There is no resultant force on the satellite relative to the Earth. D. The satellite does not exert any force on the Earth.

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Answers (1)

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Tyshawn Ashley · Answer 1

A. The resultant force in the same direction as the satellite's acceleration.

Explanation:

Launching a satellite in the space and then placing it in orbit around the Earth is a complicated process but at the very basic level it works on simple principles. Gravitational force pulls the satellite towards Earth whereas it acceleration pushes it in straight line.

The resultant force of gravity and acceleration makes the satellite remain in orbit around the Earth. It is condition of free fall where the gravity is making the satellite fall towards Earth but the acceleration doesn't allow it and keeps it in orbit.