A student claims that in a circular orbit around the Earth
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
A student claims that in a circular orbit around the Earth, the acceleration of a satellite is directed tangentially because its speed remains constant.
(i) Explain, with reasons, the actual direction of the acceleration experienced by a satellite in uniform circular motion.
(ii) Draw a labelled diagram showing the directions of the satellite’s velocity vector and acceleration vector at any instant.
(iii) Why does the satellite not fall onto the Earth in spite of the acceleration being directed towards the centre?