Once a satellite has been launched into orbit, the only force governing its motion is the force of ______.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC CPO Previous Paper 31 (Held On: 12 Dec 2019 Shift 2)

Answer 1

CONCEPT:

A satellite is an object that has been placed into the orbit. This is also known as artificial satellite.
There are natural satellite also. eg. Moon
The force of elasticity occurs as a deformed object (think spring) tries to return to its original shape. The force always acts in a direction that will return it to its original shape.
Friction is the force which resist the relative motion between solid surfaces, fluid layers, etc. sliding against each other.
Gravity is an universal force that acts over large distances between any two masses.
Due to Gravity a planet or other body draws objects toward its center.

EXPLANATION:

Satellites orbits around the planet because they have enough speed that is fast enough to defeat the downward pull of gravity.

F1 J.K Madhu 23.06.20 D1

A satellite revolves in its orbit and balance two factors: its velocity (the speed it takes to travel in a straight line) and the gravity force that Earth has on it.
So The correct answer is option 1 i.e. gravity.

IMP POINT

Due to no loss in energy of satellite while orbiting, fuel is not used for energy to the satellite. While fuel is required in the form of kinetic energy or speed of the satellite to put it in an orbit around the planet.