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Its forward motion. Please understand that something in orbit IS falling towards Earth.

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Q: What causes a satellite to stay in orbit rather than falling towards earth?
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Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Are the moon and sun considered planets?

No. The sun is a star. The moon is a moon, also called a natural satellite, as it orbits Earth rather than the sun.


What is the moon a planet or something?

The moon is a moon, also known as a natural satellite. It is not considered a planet as it orbits a planet (Earth) rather than the sun.


How is a satellite placed in orbit and why it retains its position in space?

A satellite is placed in orbit by launching it into space using a rocket. Once in orbit, the satellite continues to maintain its position due to the balance between its velocity and the gravitational pull of the Earth. This balance causes the satellite to continuously fall towards the Earth while also moving sideways fast enough to miss the planet, following an elliptical path around it.


In the southern hemisphere do the width of the ocean increase or decreses from the equator to the pole.?

The width of the ocean generally increases from the equator towards the poles in the southern hemisphere. This is because the Earth is not a perfect sphere, but rather an oblate spheroid, which causes the circumference to be larger near the poles than at the equator.


Why is Pluto classified as a dwarf planet rather than a satellite of Neptune?

Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because it does not meet the criteria to be considered a full-fledged planet. Its small size, orbital characteristics, and relationship with other celestial bodies led to its reclassification in 2006. Pluto orbits the Sun directly, rather than being a satellite of Neptune.

Related questions

What causes satellite to stay in orbit rather than falling towards earth?

Its forward motion. Please understand that something in orbit IS falling towards Earth.


Is it correct to say that satellites stay in orbit rather than falling to Earth because they are beyond the pool of Earth's gravity?

No, satellites stay in orbit due to the balance between their forward momentum and the gravitational pull of the Earth. This balance allows them to continuously fall towards Earth while also moving forward at a speed that prevents them from getting closer. This is known as free fall or microgravity.


What provides the forces that causes the centripetal acceleration of a satellite in orbit?

The gravitational force between the satellite and the celestial body it is orbiting provides the centripetal force that causes the satellite to accelerate towards the center of its orbit. This force is necessary to keep the satellite moving in a circular path rather than flying off into space.


What role did a satellite play in the beginning of the space race?

The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1 in 1957 marked the beginning of the space race. Sputnik demonstrated Soviet technological prowess and sparked fears of potential military uses of space technology, leading to increased focus on space exploration and competition between the United States and Soviet Union.


How motion of satellite similar to the motion of an object in freefall?

The motion of a satellite is similar to the motion of an object in freefall because both experience a gravitational force that causes them to accelerate toward the center of the Earth. However, the satellite's forward velocity allows it to continuously fall around the Earth rather than crashing into it. This balance between the gravitational pull and the satellite's velocity keeps it in orbit.


How is a satellite's orbit like a falling basketball?

Because it is falling. Really. We call it "free fall" rather than "weightlessness", because things in space still have weight; it's just that when we're falling, we don't FEEL the weight. We only feel it when we are RESISTING the weight, such as standing on the Earth, or sitting or standing. Make a parachute jump, and before you open your parachute you won't be "weightless", but you WILL be in "free fall". So what's the difference between a satellite and a basketball? The ball isn't going very fast, and it will hit the ground - and bounce. A satellite is moving SIDEWAYS so fast that by the time it has fallen, the satellite has already missed the Earth. And it KEEPS moving so fast that the satellite KEEPS MISSING! This happens because there is no (or very little) air in space, so there is nothing to cause the satellite to slow down. The lowest practical orbits are about 120 miles up; much lower, and the satellite will encounter some tiny trace of air resistance, which will begin to slow the satellite down and cause it to fall to Earth. At that altitude, the orbital velocity is about 18,000 miles per hour.


What is the name of the second satellite?

The name of the second satellite can vary depending on the context. It could be any specific satellite's name, such as "Hubble Space Telescope," "GPS satellite," or "ISS (International Space Station) satellite."


A satellite is projectile that falls ot of earth rather than into earth?

Satellites are in constant free-fall. This simply means they are constantly being accelerated by earth's gravity. However, an orbiting satellite's lateral motion is sufficient that the acceleration caused by the earth's gravity causes it to continually circle the earth, instead of crashing to the ground.


What is the correct intonation for statements?

The correct intonation for statements is generally falling, where your voice goes down in pitch towards the end of the sentence. This helps indicate that you are making a statement rather than asking a question.


What is a satellite phone?

A satellite phone is a mobile phone that connect to an satellite in orbit rather than a cell tower. These types of phones are commonly used by military serving overseas because they can get a signal all over the Earth.


What force causes object to change direction?

gravity (up to down) friction


Would it be better to have a sky viewing card rather than a satellite receiver?

Depending on where you live, a Sky Viewing card may be better than a satellite receiver. A Sky Viewing card allows you access to certain channels, as does a satellite receiver.