Question

The centripetal force acting on a satellite in orbit

A. acts as an unbalanced force on the satellite.
B. changes the direction of the satellite.
C. is a center-directed force.
D. all of the above

Answer 1

Answer : (D) " all of the above "

Explanation :

The forces acting on a satellite are Earth's gravitational force and centripetal force. The properties of centripetal force acting on a satellite in orbit are as follows :

(1) It acts as an unbalanced force on the satellite. This is due to the reason that there is no same force present which pulls the satellite away from the earth.

(2) It changes the direction of the satellite. The satellite is revolving with a constant speed while the direction is kept on changing (in a circular motion).

(3) Centripetal force always acts towards the center.

So, the correct option is (D) " all of the above "

Answer 2

The centripetal force (of gravity) on a satellite in orbit is an
unbalanced force (because there's no equal force pulling
the satellite away from Earth), changes the direction of the
satellite (into a closed orbit instead of a straight line), and
always acts toward the center of whatever curve the satellite
happens to be on at the moment.