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Chapter 8: Problem 5

A friend who knows nothing about physics asks what keeps an orbiting satellite from falling to Earth. Give an answer that will satisfy your friend.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A satellite doesn't fall to Earth because it is in a state of free-fall while simultaneously moving forward with enough velocity. This delicate balance of forces maintains the satellite in its orbit.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Gravity

Gravity is a force that attracts two objects towards each other. On Earth, gravity is what keeps us grounded - it pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. If there were no other forces at play, a satellite, like any object in space, would indeed fall straight to Earth under gravity's influence.
02

Understanding Orbital Motion

Orbital motion is what happens when an object is moving forward with enough velocity while simultaneously being pulled towards another object by gravity. In the case of a satellite, it is launched with a speed and direction that allows it to free-fall towards Earth but also move forward sufficiently that it keeps 'missing' the Earth.
03

The Balance of Forces

The reason why a satellite doesn't fall to Earth is because it is not just being pulled down by gravity, it is also moving forward. These two components -- gravitational pull acting perpendicular to the path of the satellite, and the satellite's forward momentum -- create a curved path that we refer to as an orbit. Because of this delicate balance, the satellite continues to fall towards Earth but also keeps missing it, hence maintaining its orbit.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

To what radius would Earth have to shrink, with no change in mass, for escape speed at its surface to be \(30 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s} ?\)

Given Earth's mass, the Moon's distance and orbital period, and the value of \(G,\) could you calculate the Moon's mass? If yes, how? If no, why not?

To what fraction of its current radius would Earth have to shrink (with no change in mass) for the gravitational acceleration at its surface to triple?

When you stand on Earth, the distance between you and Earth is zero. So why isn't the gravitational force infinite?

Why are satellites generally launched eastward and from low latitudes? (Hint: Think about Earth's rotation.)
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