Why do satellites not come falling down to Earth due to gravity?
Correct answer: A. They are actually falling due to gravity but their horizontal velocity is so large that they end up orbiting instead of hitting the surface
- A. They are actually falling due to gravity but their horizontal velocity is so large that they end up orbiting instead of hitting the surface
- B. The reaction force to gravity keeps them in a balanced state and prevents them from falling
- C. The gravitational force due to the Moon prevents this
- D. They have thrusters to prevent them from falling down
Explanation
In actuality, satellites are indeed "falling" due to gravity. However, their horizontal velocity is so high that they keep "falling" sideways. We can depict this using the concept of projectile motion. If we were to have an imaginary canon on top of a mountain with limitless power to shoot horizontally. The force of gravity keeps acting towards the center of the earth. However, the horizontal component of velocity never changes (ignoring air resistance). As we keep increasing the power of the canon and hence the horizontal velocity, it keeps landing farther and farther. Eventually, there comes a point when the cannonball never touches the surface of the Earth and instead forms an orbit around Earth (pathway D and E).
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Scientific reasoning evaluates hypotheses through observations, variables, controls, measurements and experimental results. Questions involve identifying independent and dependent variables, recognising a fair test, interpreting tables or graphs, distinguishing evidence from opinion, and deciding whether data supports, rejects or leaves a hypothesis unresolved.
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