Edumarz

What is the work done by the force of gravity on a satellite moving around the earth? Justify your answer.

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn

Work is said to be done when a force applied to an object moves that object. We can calculate work by multiplying the force by the movement of the object.

The work done on the satellite by the Earth is zero.

Work is done whenever the given two conditions are satisfied:

  • A force acts on the body.
  • There is a displacement of the body by applying force in or opposite the force’s direction.

If the direction of force is perpendicular to displacement, then the work done is zero. When a satellite moves around the Earth, then the force of gravity on the satellite is perpendicular to its displacement. Hence, the work done on the satellite by the Earth is zero.

Leave a Reply