Question

a satellite orbits in a circle at a constant speed around earth. in which direction is the satellite accelerating? (1 point)

in the direction opposite it is orbiting, tangent to the circle

in the direction it is orbiting, tangent to the circle

towards the center of earth

away from earth

Explanation:

When a satellite orbits Earth in a circular path at a constant speed, it is undergoing centripetal acceleration. Centripetal acceleration is directed towards the center of the circular path (in this case, the center of Earth). This is because the satellite's velocity vector is constantly changing direction (even though the speed is constant), and the acceleration responsible for changing the direction of velocity in circular motion is centripetal acceleration. Tangential acceleration (tangent to the circle) would change the speed of the satellite, but since the speed is constant, there is no tangential acceleration. Acceleration away from Earth would not keep the satellite in a circular orbit around Earth.

Answer:

towards the center of Earth