Question

14 a satellite moving in a circular orbit, with respect to the earths center, experiences a gravitational force. which diagram best represents the directions of the velocity, v, and acceleration, a, of a satellite as it moves in a clockwise, horizontal, circular path at a constant speed? a b c d

Explanation:

• For an object in uniform circular motion (like the satellite here), the velocity \(v\) is always tangent to the circular path.
• The acceleration \(a\) (centripetal acceleration) is always directed towards the center of the circular path.
• Given the satellite is moving clock - wise, at the position shown in the diagrams (assuming the standard orientation of the problem), the velocity direction is tangent (for example, if we consider the position where the analysis is done, for a clock - wise motion, the velocity direction is as per the tangent to the circle at that point). The centripetal acceleration is towards the center of the Earth (center of the circular orbit).

Answer:

C.