JEE Main 2002 Physics question

If suddenly the gravitational force of attraction between Earth and a satellite revolving around it becomes zero, then the satellite will

(1)continue to move in its orbit with same velocity
(2)move tangentially to the originally orbit in the same velocityCorrect
(3)become stationary in its orbit
(4)move towards the earth.

Answer: (2)

Solution

Gravity provides the centripetal force that keeps the satellite on its circular path. If it vanishes, no force acts, so by Newton's first law the satellite moves in a straight line with its instantaneous velocity — i.e. along the

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Question ID VK-037856