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An artificial satellite of Earth nears t...

An artificial satellite of Earth nears the end of its life due to air resistance. While still in orbit:

A

It moves faster as the orbit lower

B

It moves slower as the orbit lowers

C

It slowly spirals away from Earth

D

It moves slower in the same orbit but with a decreasing period

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

The correct Answer is:
A
Due to air resistance the satellite slows down and starts falling to lower orbit. But when it falls to lower orbit the fall in potential energy gets converted into kinetic energy and its velocity increases again. So, the satellite moves faster as the orbit lowers.
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