Question

Which best describes Sid’s error?

Tangential speed changes throughout a satellite’s orbit.
Centripetal force is perpendicular to the velocity of the satellite.
Tangential speed increases with a satellite’s increasing distance from Earth.
Centripetal force can sometimes slow down a satellite in orbit.

Answer 1

Centripetal force is perpendicular to the velocity of the satellite.

This is becuase Tangent is always perpindicular to radial (centripital)

Imagine swining a ball around a string. The string pulls the ball towards the centre (radial) while the balls own velocity moves it forward (tan).

The horizontal and vertical forces create a diagnal force which makes the circular path!

Answer 2

Explanation :

When an object is moving in a circular path, the net force acting on it is the centripetal force.

The magnitude of the centripetal force is given by :

`F_c=ma_c`

Where

m is the mass of the object

`a_c` is the centripetal acceleration.

or

`F_c=mr\omega^2`

`\omega` is the angular velocity

Since centripetal acceleration is perpendicular to the velocity and points towards the center. So, the centripetal force is perpendicular to the velocity.

Hence, it is the required solution.