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force is mass x acceleration which for orbit is mass (m) x velocity squared (v^2)divided by radius (R) above center of earth. Since there is also acceleration of gravity (g) then g = v^2/R. You can now calculate velocity of satellite to stay in orbit - it is about 17.500 mph

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How does the centripetal force act on a satellite?

The centripetal force acts towards the center of the circular path followed by the satellite, allowing it to maintain its orbit. In the case of a satellite orbiting Earth, the force of gravity provides the centripetal force required to keep the satellite in its orbit.


Does the centripetal force act as an unbalanced force on the satellite in orbit?

Yes. According to Newton's Second Law, there has to be an unbalanced force - otherwise, the satellite won't accelerate (in this case, change direction).


Does centripetal force exist in space?

Yes, although space is a vacuum, with no air or other medium for the force to act upon, the concept of centripetal force still applies in space. Objects in orbit experience centripetal force that keeps them moving in a curved path around a central body, such as a planet orbiting a star.


Is the satellite subjected to gravitational pull?

Not at all. The mutual gravitational force that attracts the satellite and the earth toward each other is exactly what keeps the satellite in orbit. Without it, the satellite would just take off in a straight line away from the vicinity of the earth.


What force keeps earth in orbit around the sun?

The force of gravity is the only force acting to keep bodies in orbit. It is the inertia (which is not a force) of these orbiting bodies that keeps them from actually being pulled together completely. Gravity and inerta act in "balance" to allow orbiting bodies to continue to move the way they do.

Related Questions

How does the centripetal force act on a satellite?

The centripetal force acts towards the center of the circular path followed by the satellite, allowing it to maintain its orbit. In the case of a satellite orbiting Earth, the force of gravity provides the centripetal force required to keep the satellite in its orbit.


How does centripetal force act on a satellite orbit?

by means of the gravitational forces between it and the planet


Does the centripetal force act as an unbalanced force on the satellite in orbit?

Yes. According to Newton's Second Law, there has to be an unbalanced force - otherwise, the satellite won't accelerate (in this case, change direction).


Why does an object in orbit needs a centripetal force act?

An object in orbit needs a centripetal force to keep it moving in a circular path. Gravity provides this centripetal force, pulling the object towards the center of the orbit. Without this force, the object would continue in a straight line tangent to the orbit.


Does centripetal force exist in space?

Yes, although space is a vacuum, with no air or other medium for the force to act upon, the concept of centripetal force still applies in space. Objects in orbit experience centripetal force that keeps them moving in a curved path around a central body, such as a planet orbiting a star.


Is the satellite subjected to gravitational pull?

Not at all. The mutual gravitational force that attracts the satellite and the earth toward each other is exactly what keeps the satellite in orbit. Without it, the satellite would just take off in a straight line away from the vicinity of the earth.


Why an object in orbit needs a centripetal force acting on it in what direction does a centripetal force act?

"Centripetal" means "seeking the center" or "toward the center". If there were no force on an object in orbit, it wouldn't be 'in orbit' at all, and it would just sail off in a straight line at a constant speed. Gravitational force between it and the center of the Earth bends its path into a curve. -- If its speed is too great, it curves part way around the Earth and takes off on a 'hyperbolic' path without settling into an orbit. -- If its speed is too slow, its path gets curved so much that the object falls to Earth. -- If its speed is in the 'mid-range', it settles into a closed, elliptical orbit.


Why an object in orbit needs a centripetal force acting on it. In what direction does a centripetal force act?

"Centripetal" means "seeking the center" or "toward the center". If there were no force on an object in orbit, it wouldn't be 'in orbit' at all, and it would just sail off in a straight line at a constant speed. Gravitational force between it and the center of the Earth bends its path into a curve. -- If its speed is too great, it curves part way around the Earth and takes off on a 'hyperbolic' path without settling into an orbit. -- If its speed is too slow, its path gets curved so much that the object falls to Earth. -- If its speed is in the 'mid-range', it settles into a closed, elliptical orbit.


Explain why an object in orbit needs a centripetal force acting on it in what direction does a centripetal force act?

1). If there is no force on the object, then it keeps moving in a straight line. If you want it's path to bend away from a straight line, then you need a force in order to accomplish that. 2). The force acts in the direction that bends the path away from a straight line. In other words, in the direction in which the path curves. For a closed orbit, the force has to be toward the center, or at least close to it. Conveniently, that's where the big massive body happens to be, which sets up a nice, two-way gravitational force between the central body and the orbiting body. Gravity is the centripetal force, and it always points both ways between the two bodies, trying to draw them together.


What are some examples of forces that can act on objects to move them in a circular path?

Some examples of forces that can act on objects to move them in a circular path are centripetal force, tension in a rope, gravitational force, and friction. These forces are necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path rather than a straight line.


What force keeps an object moving in a cyrcle and in what direction does this force act?

Centripetal Force, it always points to the center of the circle.


Why do Satellites travel in a circular path?

Satellites orbit the Earth or other bodies due to a careful balance of their velocity and the gravitational attraction of the body. Essentially gravity pulls them down but their velocity moves then out (Newton's Fist Law of Motion) at the same rate. They keep missing the body they orbit.The path is not necessarily circular since the gravity over the Earth varies with the density of the ground below the satellite. They are also satisfied to be in an elliptical orbit (closer at some times than others). The moon is a good example of a satellite in an almost circular elliptical orbit. comets have wildly elliptical orbits.