Question

An artificial satellite remains in orbit and does not fall on to the Earth because

• A. the centrifugal force acting on it balances the gravitational attraction
• B. the on-board rocket motors provide continuous boost to keep it in orbit
• C. its transverse velocity keeps it from hitting Earth although it falls continuously
• D. due to its high speed it derives sufficient lift from the rarefied atmosphere

Hint:

Orbital motion is a balance of gravity and forward velocity — a continuous free-fall.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Satellites orbit Earth by continuously falling towards it while having enough tangential velocity to miss it — hence staying in orbit.