The direction of the net force acting on a satellite as it orbits Earth at a constant speed is toward the center of Earth. This force is the gravitational force that keeps the satellite in its circular orbit. Even though the satellite is moving at a constant speed, it is constantly changing direction, which means there is an acceleration toward the center of Earth. This is a characteristic of circular motion.
What is the direction of the net force acting on a satellite as it orbits Earth at a constant speed?
toward the center of Earth
away from the center of Earth
in the direction the satellite is moving
opposite the direction the satellite is moving
1 answer