What force continually changes a satellite's direction?
Why doesn't a satellite need fuel to keep moving?
What would be the effect on satellites now in orbit if Earth were to stop rotating?
gravitational attracation between Earth and Moon ...
There is no work being done...
None. Earth does not need to rotate to have gravitational attraction.
Thank you very much!
The force that continually changes a satellite's direction is called the gravitational force. Gravitational force is exerted by the Earth on the satellite and causes it to orbit in a curved path around the Earth. This force acts as a centripetal force, keeping the satellite in its orbit.
A satellite doesn't need fuel to keep moving because of the concept known as inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to keep moving in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force. Once a satellite is launched into space and placed in its desired orbit, it continues moving due to inertia. There is no air resistance or friction in space to slow it down significantly. Therefore, a satellite can continue orbiting the Earth for an extended period without the need for fuel.
If the Earth were to suddenly stop rotating, it would have a significant effect on satellites in orbit. Satellites are stationed in specific orbits based on the Earth's rotation. If the Earth stopped rotating, the following consequences would happen to the satellites:
1. The satellites in geostationary orbit, which are stationary relative to a specific point on Earth's surface, would no longer remain stationary. They would begin to move with respect to the Earth's surface.
2. The satellites in other orbits would be affected as well. They would continue to move in their respective paths but without the rotation of the Earth to provide the necessary forces, their orbits would no longer be stable. These satellites would start drifting away from their original orbits due to the absence of the centripetal force provided by Earth's rotation.
In summary, if the Earth's rotation were to suddenly stop, the satellites in orbit would be affected, resulting in changes to their positions and orbits.