Question

select the correct answer. a meteor is approaching earth. which statement about its motion is true? a. the meteor travels upward relative to earth. b. the meteor accelerates. c. the meteor is out of earth’s gravitational force field. d. the meteor falls with a constant velocity.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze gravitational force

The Earth's gravitational force acts on the meteor.

Step2: Recall Newton's second - law

According to Newton's second - law $F = ma$, where the gravitational force $F$ causes an acceleration $a$.

Step3: Evaluate each option

• Option A: A meteor approaching Earth travels downward relative to Earth, not upward.
• Option B: The gravitational force of the Earth causes the meteor to accelerate as it approaches. This is correct.
• Option C: The meteor is well within Earth's gravitational force field when approaching Earth.
• Option D: Since there is a non - zero net force (gravitational force) acting on the meteor, it cannot fall with a constant velocity according to Newton's first law.

Answer:

B. The meteor accelerates.