passwella.
Menu

JAMB Physics 2015 (CBT) Question 5

Question 5

Gravitational Field

A satellite revolving around the earth is kept on its orbit by

  1. A.centrifugal forces only
  2. B.centripetal forces only
  3. C.centripetal and frictional forces
  4. D.centripetal and centrifugal forces.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (centripetal forces only)

Explanation

The earth's gravitational pull acts towards the centre of the orbit and supplies the centripetal force that keeps the satellite going round. There is no friction in space.