Orbital Motion Of A Released Object
Consider a satellite orbiting Earth at 17,500 mph. What would happen to a rock released from the satellite?
A
Because the rock is smaller than the satellite, its inertia will pull it further away from Earth.
B
Gravity will pull the rock from its orbit, causing it to either burn up in the atmosphere or strike Earth's surface.
C
Because the rock cannot generate its own force, it will slow down.
D
The rock would continue to orbit Earth at a velocity of 17,500 mph alongside the satellite.
E
Because the rock is smaller than the satellite, it will accelerate and orbit at a greater velocity.