Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-134-98855-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-13498-855-9

Chapter 8 - For Thought and Discussion - Page 146: 5

Answer

The answer is below.

Work Step by Step

The friend should be told that a circular orbit is like a bunch of "miniature falls" for the object in motion. After all, the satellite, like any other object, does fall a bit as it goes forward. However, it also continues to move due to its velocity, so as gravity causes it to fall, its velocity causes it to move away from earth. Thus, it does fall, but this fall is canceled out by the velocity, keeping the satellite in orbit.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.