Multiple choice

When a satellite is in free fall, which two forces combine to keep it in an orbit around Earth?

  1. air resistance & gravity

  2. gravity & forward motion

  3. inertia & friction

  4. gravity & weightlessness

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An orbiting satellite is in constant free fall; gravity pulls it toward Earth, while its forward velocity (inertia) keeps it from crashing, resulting in a stable orbit.