A satellite is in circular orbit about the Earth at an altitude at which air res

Question

A satellite is in circular orbit about the Earth at an altitude at which air resistance is negligible. Which of the following statements is true?

a. There is only one force acting on the satellite.

b. There are two forces acting on the satellite, and their resultant is zero.

c. There are two forces acting on the satellite, and their resultant is not zero.

d. There are three forces acting on the satellite.

e. None of the preceding statements are correct.

(a is supposed to be the answer, however give me a clear explanation why and brief explanations on why the other options don't work)

Explanation / Answer

When satellite is in circular orbit about the Earth at an altitude at which air resistance is negligible the ony force acting on the satellite is the gravitational pull towards the center of the earth. There will be no other eorces required for the satellite to orbit the Earth. Option (a) is correct (The centripetal force is developed du to the gravitational pull sothat the satellite moves in circular path bot it is not necessary for th satellite to set into motion)

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