Asked by Miss Angie

Two facts: A freely falling object at Earth’s surface drops vertically 5 m in 1 s. Earth’s curvature “drops” 5 m for each 8-km tangent. Discuss how these two facts relate to the 8-km/s speed necessary to orbit Earth.
Answered by Miss Angie
Ms. Sue this was a question in my Physics book
Answered by Steve
an object in orbit is constantly falling toward the earth. However, its lateral motion takes it away from falling directly down, and by the time it has moved sideways, the curvature of the earth makes the surface farther away. At the right speed, the surface recedes at the same speed the object is falling, so it never hits.
Answered by Miss Angie
God bless you Steve thanks so much I have been stuck on this question since last week. I truly appreciate your help. Thanks again so much.
Answered by Steve
how could I refuse? My college sweetheart was named Angie!
Answered by Miss Angie
YOU JUST MADE MY EVENING THAT IS SO KIND OF YOU. MY BEST FRIEND OF 30+ YRS PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY AND I WAS SO DISTRAUGHT BUT YOU JUST MADE IT BETTER. THANKS AGAIN SO MUCH NOW AT LEAST I KNOW IF I GET STUCK YOU WILL BE THERE TO HELP ME. YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME CRY BUT NOT TEARS OF SADNESS THE GOOD TEARS.
Answered by Steve
Well, I'm not always on line, but there are several very good math folks here, and I'm sure one of us will see your postings.
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