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Physics

An artifical satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the Earth. Which statement is correct ?

  1. A force is needed to keep it moving as its speed is changing.
  2. No force is needed as it is in space.
  3. A tangential force of gravity increases its speed.
  4. Centripetal force due to the Earth's gravity continuously changes the direction of velocity.

Force

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Answer

Centripetal force due to the Earth's gravity continuously changes the direction of velocity.

Reason — A satellite moving in a circular orbit has constant speed but its direction of velocity keeps changing and this change in direction requires a centripetal force. The Earth’s gravitational force provides this centripetal force, continuously changing the direction of the satellite’s velocity and keeping it in orbit.

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