Question

\most satellites are launched into space on rockets. a satellite orbits earth when its speed is balanced by the pull of earths gravity. without this balance, the satellite would fly in a straight line off into space or fall back to earth. satellites orbit earth at different heights, different speeds and along different paths. the two most common types of orbit are geostationary (jee - oh - stay - shun - air - ee) and polar. what conclusion can you draw from this evidence? a satellites rely on the pull of earths gravity to stay in orbit. b many satellites fall back to earth because earths gravity is not strong. c all satellites orbit the earth at the same speed as a rocket. d all satellites follow a geostationary type of orbit.

Explanation:

• Option A: The text states that a satellite orbits Earth when its speed is balanced by the pull of Earth's gravity. This implies that satellites rely on Earth's gravity to stay in orbit.
• Option B: The text says that without the balance of speed and gravity, the satellite would fly off or fall back. It does not mention that many satellites fall back because Earth's gravity is not strong.
• Option C: The text mentions that satellites orbit at different speeds. So, not all satellites orbit at the same speed as a rocket.
• Option D: The text says there are two most common types of orbit (geostationary and polar), not that all satellites follow a geostationary orbit.

Answer:

A. Satellites rely on the pull of Earth’s gravity to stay in orbit.