Physics · The universal law of gravitation

Suppose gravity of earth suddenly becomes zero, then in which direction will the

Suppose gravity of earth suddenly becomes zero, then in which direction will the moon begin to move if no other celestial body affects it?

  • A. Radial
  • B. Tangential
  • C. cant say
  • D. None

Step-by-step solution

The moon orbits Earth due to gravitational centripetal force. If gravity becomes zero, no net force acts on the moon. According to Newton's first law, it will continue moving with its instantaneous velocity, which is tangential to its circular orbit. Thus, it begins to move tangentially.
Practise more in this unitView MCQsSign up for full question bank