Asked by christian
Once an object enters orbit, what keeps the object moving sideways?
inertia
gravity
centripetal force
air resistance
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Inertia.
The object’s sideways (tangential) motion is due to inertia — its tendency to keep moving straight. Gravity supplies the inward (centripetal) force that bends that straight-line motion into a curved orbit. Air resistance would oppose the motion, not keep it moving.
The object’s sideways (tangential) motion is due to inertia — its tendency to keep moving straight. Gravity supplies the inward (centripetal) force that bends that straight-line motion into a curved orbit. Air resistance would oppose the motion, not keep it moving.
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