Question

a satellite is orbiting earth in a circular pattern. what is true about its velocity at any moment? (1 point)

it is pointing toward earth.

it is directed toward earth.

it is pointing directly away from earth.

it is tangent to earth.

Explanation:

When a satellite is in circular orbit around Earth, its velocity is a vector quantity. In circular motion, the velocity vector is always tangent to the circular path at any given point. The gravitational force from Earth provides the centripetal force that keeps the satellite in orbit. The direction of the centripetal force (toward Earth) is different from the direction of velocity. Options 1 and 2 (pointing/toward Earth) describe the direction of the centripetal force (not velocity). Option 3 (pointing away) is incorrect as there's no such force - like effect for velocity direction in a stable circular orbit. The key concept is that in circular motion (uniform or non - uniform), the instantaneous velocity is tangent to the circular path.

Answer:

It is tangent to Earth.