Neglect the effect of rotation of the earth. Suppose the earth suddenly stops attracting objects placed near its surface. A paerson standing on the surface of the earth will

Options

A. fly up
B. slip along the surface
C. fly along a tangent to the earth's surface
D. remain standing

Answer

To solve the problem, let's analyze the situation step by step:

### Step 1: Understand the scenario
We are given a hypothetical situation where the Earth suddenly stops attracting objects. This means that the gravitational force, which normally pulls objects towards the center of the Earth, is no longer acting.

### Step 2: Identify the forces acting on the person
In normal circumstances, a person standing on the surface of the Earth experiences the force of gravity acting downwards. This gravitational force is what keeps the person grounded. However, in this scenario, since the Earth stops attracting objects, this gravitational force will no longer be present.

### Step 3: Consider the implications of no gravitational force
Without the gravitational force, the person standing on the surface of the Earth will not have any force acting on them to keep them grounded. Therefore, they will not be held in place.

### Step 4: Analyze the motion of the person
Since there is no gravitational force acting on the person, they will not be pulled downwards. In the absence of any other forces (like friction or air resistance), the person will begin to float away from the surface of the Earth.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, if the Earth suddenly stops attracting objects, a person standing on the surface of the Earth will begin to float away due to the lack of gravitational pull.

### Final Answer
A person standing on the surface of the Earth will float away if the Earth suddenly stops attracting objects.

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