Moderate

If a satellite moves above Earth's atmosphere in a circular orbit with constant speed, then:

Correct answer: B. its acceleration is toward the Earth

  • A. its acceleration and velocity are always in the same direction
  • B. its acceleration is toward the Earth
  • C. its velocity is constant
  • D. it will fall back to Earth when its fuel is used up

Explanation

Artificial satellites are put into their orbits by rockets and are held in orbits by the gravitational pull of the Earth. The rocket will have an acceleration of 9.8 ms-2 towards the centre of Earth.

Last updated

About Simple Harmonic Motion

Simple harmonic motion is oscillation in which acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed toward the equilibrium position. Work includes displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, period, frequency, amplitude and energy, with applications to springs and simple pendulums. The restoring force and the conditions for SHM distinguish it from general periodic motion.

Practise Waves

1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions