An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth [2011]

An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth

does not exist at such a distance.
is neutralised by the attraction of the moon.
provides the necessary speed for its steady motion.
provides the necessary acceleration for its motion

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

An artificial satellite stays in orbit because Earth’s gravity constantly pulls it towards the planet, causing a centripetal acceleration that keeps it moving along a curved path. The satellite is essentially in free fall, but because it has a high tangential speed, it keeps missing the Earth, thus staying in orbit without falling down. So, Earth’s gravitational attraction provides the necessary acceleration to keep the satellite moving in a steady orbit.

Educational infographic explaining why satellites do not fall out of the sky, using diagrams of Earth, satellites, and rockets with labeled concepts like gravity and momentum. It highlights satellite orbits, examples of NOAA-20 and GOES-E satellites with their altitudes, and the balance between gravitational pull and momentum that keeps satellites in orbit.