Question

what causes a satellite to move tangentially to a circular path?
○ air resistance
○ friction
○ inertia
○ gravity

Explanation:

• Air resistance: Acts to slow objects, not cause tangential motion in orbit (space has little air).
• Friction: Requires contact; space has no surface for friction to act here.
• Inertia: An object in motion (like a satellite) tends to move in a straight line (tangential to circular path) due to inertia, unless a force (gravity) acts.
• Gravity: Pulls the satellite toward the center, providing centripetal force for circular motion, not tangential motion.

Answer:

C. inertia