Satellites burn off during re-entry to earth's atmosphere, because of the ____________________?

Correct answer: C. Friction with earth's atmosphere

  • A. Combustion with air
  • B. Gravitational pull by earth
  • C. Friction with earth's atmosphere
  • D. Loss in weight of the satellite

Explanation

During atmospheric re-entry, the satellite encounters air at very high relative velocity, producing intense aerodynamic heating through compression and frictional effects. This heat causes the surface to ablate or burn away, rather than the satellite simply being pulled down by gravity.

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