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Chapter 6: Q20 CQ (page 220)

Two friends are having a conversation. Anna says a satellite in orbit is in freefall because the satellite keeps falling toward Earth. Tom says a satellite in orbit is not in freefall because the acceleration due to gravity is not9.80 m/s2. Who do you agree with and why?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Tom’s statement is not correct because an object does not need to fall with acceleration of 9.8m/s2to consider it as free fall.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of free fall body

When gravity force alone acts on body then the vertical motion of the body called as free fall.

02

Explanation of correct statement

The only force that acts on the satellite is gravity as the satellite keeps falling to earth. Gravity balances the centrifugal force that comes into the picture due to the curvature of the earth therefore Anna’s statement is correct.

Tom’s statement is not correct because an object does not need to fall with an acceleration of 9.8m/s2to consider a free fall.

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