A satellite orbits the earth in a perfectly circular orbit. Assume that the only

Question

A satellite orbits the earth in a perfectly circular orbit. Assume that the only force on the satellite during the orbit is the force of gravity from the earth. Does the force of gravity make the satellite travel faster or slower (in other words, does the earth’s force of gravity do positive work or negative work on the satellite?

A.The force of gravity does positive work on the satellite and therefore makes the satellite travel faster while it’s in a circular orbit.

B. The force of gravity does negative work on the satellite and therefore makes the satellite travel slower while it’s in a circular orbit

C.The force of gravity does zero work on the satellite and therefore has no effect on the speed of the satellite while it’s in a circular orbit

Explanation / Answer

C.The force of gravity does zero work on the satellite and therefore has no effect on the speed of the satellite while it’s in a circular orbit

Because there's no radial movement of satellite (the direction in which force acts) => no displacement => No work.

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