A satellite orbits the Earth in a circular orbit. Which statement is correct?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The only force acting is gravity
- Step 1: Gravity acts towards the centre of the Earth.
- Step 2: This force is the centripetal force that keeps the satellite moving in a circle.
Answer
The only force acting is gravity.
Why not the others: There is no force: gravity acts on it. The centripetal force is greater than the gravitational force: they are the same force. It moves in a circle: a resultant force is needed for circular motion.
Practise more Electricity and Further Mechanics.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Scottish Highers mock tests.
More Electricity and Further Mechanics questions
- A cell of EMF 6.0 V and internal resistance 0.50 Ω supplies a current of 2.0 A. What is the terminal potential difference?
- A battery has EMF 12 V. When it supplies 3.0 A the terminal p.d. is 10.5 V. What is the internal resistance?
- A 470 µF capacitor is charged to 12 V. How much charge is stored?
- How much energy is stored in a 470 µF capacitor charged to 12 V?
- The mains supply has an r.m.s. voltage of 230 V. What is the peak voltage?
- Which type of semiconductor is made by doping silicon with phosphorus, which has five outer electrons?