Question

If suddenly the gravitational force of attraction between earth and a satellite revolving around it becomes zero, then the satellite will :

• A. continue to move in its orbit with same veiocity
• B. move tangentially to the original orbit with the same velocity
• C. become stationary in its orbit
• D. move towards the earth

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

move tangentially to the original orbit with the same velocity

Answer 2

When gravitational force becomes zero, then centripetal force required can not be provided. So the satellite will move with the velocity as it has at the instant when gravitational force becomes zero, i.e., it moves tangentially to the original orbit