🔬 Science & TechnologyUPSC 2011Space & Space Technology

An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth_______

aDoes not exist at such distance
bIs neutralized by the attraction of the moon
cProvides the necessary speed for its steady motion
dProvides the necessary acceleration for its motion
✓ Correct answer: d) Provides the necessary acceleration for its motion
ExplanationArtificial satellites are launched into orbit for a variety of purposes, including communications, navigation, Earth imaging, weather observation, and scientific study.In satellites, humans typically experience a sense of weightlessness because the net force acting on our body is practically zero.This is due to the satellite’s centrifugal force, which cancels out the size of the earth’s gravitational pull.On the other hand, the earth’s gravitational pull is required for the satellite to continuously change its direction, giving acceleration for the satellite’s direction-changing process.Science and Technology 561 121

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