answersLogoWhite

0

No, objects in orbit don't speed up due to free fall. The objects are in equilibrium while in orbit. To get them there (into orbit) they have to be "lifted" and then "accelerated sideways" so they'll stay up. This is the essence of the situation. An object in orbit is being simultaneously "pulled back" to earth (accelerated by gravity), and "moved sideways" having been accelerated by the rocket engines. The result is that the object "falls" and "moves sideways" and "falls" and moves sideways" in continuous tiny steps. The object is constantly changing velocity because it is changing its direction of travel every instant. But its speed is constant. And it stays up. (Leave the drag in low orbits out of this one, please.)

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Does your weight change if the acceleration due to gravity changes?

Your weight is determined by the force of gravity acting on you, so it will change if the acceleration due to gravity changes. If the acceleration due to gravity increases, your weight will increase, and if it decreases, your weight will decrease.


What is the answer to this Freely falling bodies undergo what acceleration?

Freely falling bodies undergo acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.81 m/s^2 on Earth. This acceleration causes the speed of the falling object to increase as it falls towards the ground.


Does acceleration increase or decrease during free fall?

Acceleration remains constant during free fall at approximately 9.81 m/s^2, assuming no significant air resistance. This is due to the force of gravity acting on the falling object, resulting in a uniform acceleration towards the Earth.


Acceleration due to gravity on a falling object is what?

The acceleration due to gravity on a falling object is approximately 9.81 m/s^2, assuming no air resistance. This acceleration causes the object to increase its velocity by 9.81 m/s each second it falls.


What is a force that can change when acceleration due to gravity changes?

Weight. The force of weight experienced by an object can change when the acceleration due to gravity changes. Weight is directly proportional to the acceleration due to gravity, so an increase or decrease in gravity will result in a corresponding change in weight.


What it the ratio of the acceleration due to gravity of a 2kg falling rock compared to the acceleration due to gravity of a 1kg falling rock?

2:1


Does the velocity of a falling object increase or decrease?

The velocity of a falling object increases as it falls due to the acceleration of gravity acting on it. As the object falls, it gains speed and accelerates toward the ground until it reaches a constant velocity known as terminal velocity.


How do you calculate the acceleration of gravity?

The acceleration of gravity can be calculated using the formula a = 9.81 m/s^2, where "a" represents the acceleration due to gravity. This value is a constant for objects falling in Earth's gravitational field.


Is a free falling ball is somehow equipped with a speedometer by how much would its speed reading increase for every second?

The speed of a freely falling ball would increase by approximately 9.8 m/s every second due to gravity. This acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2 is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth.


What is the acceleration of a falling object?

The acceleration of a falling object is called gravity. A free-falling object has an acceleration of 9.8 m/s/s when going downward on Earth.


The acceleration of a falling object is cause by the force of?

Gravity


What acceleration does a parachutist have when falling before opening the parachute?

A parachutist falling before opening the parachute experiences an acceleration due to gravity of approximately 9.81 m/s^2, which is the acceleration due to free fall. This acceleration causes the parachutist's velocity to increase as they fall towards the ground.