UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 64
An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth
- does not exist at such distance
- is neutralized by the attraction of the moon
- provides the necessary speed for its steady motion
- provides the necessary acceleration for its motion
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: An orbiting satellite continually accelerates toward Earth under gravitational attraction; its sideways velocity makes it fall around Earth rather than straight onto it.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Earth’s gravity remains substantial at ordinary satellite altitudes.
B: Incorrect - The Moon does not normally cancel Earth’s pull on an orbiting satellite.
C: Incorrect - Gravity supplies centripetal acceleration, not the satellite’s tangential speed.
D: Correct - Earth’s gravitational pull provides the centripetal acceleration needed for orbit.