A satellite in circular orbit around the Earth moves at constant speed. This orbit is maintained by the force of gravity between the Earth and the satellite, yet no work is done on the satellite. How is this possible?

a. No work is done if there is no contact between objects.

b. No work is done because there is no gravity in space.

c. No work is done if the direction of motion is perpendicular to the force.

d. No work is done if objects move in a circle.

Question

Marin Koch

Physics

19 September, 21:27

A satellite in circular orbit around the Earth moves at constant speed. This orbit is maintained by the force of gravity between the Earth and the satellite, yet no work is done on the satellite. How is this possible?

a. No work is done if there is no contact between objects.

b. No work is done because there is no gravity in space.

c. No work is done if the direction of motion is perpendicular to the force.

d. No work is done if objects move in a circle.

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Natalie Le · Answer 1

C. No work is done if the direction of motion is perpendicular to the force.

Explanation:

We know that work is the dot product of force and displacement.

Let's take the angle between the force and the displacement = θ

W = F. d cosθ

F=Force, d=Displacement

If θ = 0° then W = F. d

If θ = 90° then W = 0

So we can say that when force is perpendicular to the displacement then the work done by force will be zero.

Therefore the answer is C.