For a satellite in a stable orbit, what must be true about the centripetal force

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Question: For a satellite in a stable orbit, what must be true about the centripetal force and gravitational force?

Options:

Correct Answer: Centripetal force equals gravitational force

Solution:

For a satellite in a stable orbit, the centripetal force required for circular motion equals the gravitational force acting on the satellite.

For a satellite in a stable orbit, what must be true about the centripetal force and gravitational force?

For a satellite in a stable orbit, what must be true about the centripetal force and gravitational force?

Step 1: Understand that a satellite in orbit is moving in a circular path.
Step 2: Know that to keep moving in a circle, an object needs a force directed towards the center of the circle. This is called centripetal force.
Step 3: Recognize that the force that pulls the satellite towards the center of the planet (or body it is orbiting) is called gravitational force.
Step 4: For the satellite to stay in a stable orbit, the gravitational force must provide exactly the right amount of centripetal force needed for circular motion.
Step 5: Therefore, conclude that in a stable orbit, the centripetal force equals the gravitational force.

Centripetal Force – The force required to keep an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.
Gravitational Force – The attractive force between two masses, which in this case is the force exerted by the Earth on the satellite.
Stable Orbit – A condition where the satellite moves in a circular path at a constant speed, maintaining a balance between gravitational and centripetal forces.