If an orbiting satellite comes to stand still suddenly

Options

A. The satellite will move along the tangent
B. The satellite will move radially towards the centre of the orbit
C. The satellite will go outerspace and will be lost
D. The satellite will continue to move in the same orbit

Answer

To solve the question of what happens when an orbiting satellite suddenly comes to a standstill, we can analyze the forces acting on the satellite and the consequences of it stopping its motion.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Orbital Motion**:
- A satellite in orbit is in a state of balance between two forces: the gravitational force pulling it towards the planet and the centrifugal force due to its circular motion. The gravitational force is given by \( F_g = \frac{GMm}{r^2} \) and the centrifugal force is given by \( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \).

**Hint**: Remember that orbital motion requires a balance between gravitational and centrifugal forces.

2. **Condition of the Satellite**:
- When the satellite is in orbit, it has a certain velocity \( v \). If it suddenly comes to a standstill, this means \( v = 0 \).

**Hint**: Consider what happens to the forces when the velocity of the satellite becomes zero.

3. **Effect on Forces**:
- With \( v = 0 \), the centrifugal force \( F_c \) also becomes zero because \( F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} \). The only force acting on the satellite now is the gravitational force \( F_g \).

**Hint**: Identify the forces acting on the satellite after it stops moving.

4. **Direction of Motion**:
- Since the gravitational force is still acting on the satellite, it will cause the satellite to accelerate towards the center of the planet. This means the satellite will move radially inward.

**Hint**: Think about the direction of the gravitational force and how it affects the motion of the satellite.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, when the satellite comes to a standstill, it will not continue in its orbit or move outward; instead, it will move radially towards the center of the planet due to the gravitational pull.

**Final Answer**: The correct option is that the satellite will move radially toward the center of the orbit.

### Summary of the Steps:
1. Analyze the forces acting on the satellite in orbit.
2. Recognize that stopping the satellite means its velocity is zero.
3. Conclude that with zero velocity, the centrifugal force is also zero.
4. Identify that the only force left is the gravitational force, which pulls the satellite inward.
5. Conclude that the satellite will move radially toward the center of the orbit.