A rocket orbits a planet in a circular orbit at a constant speed as shown in the drawing.

Note these arrows:

-At the instant shown in the drawing, which arrow shows the direction of the reaction force exerted on the planet by the rocket?
A)1
B)2
C)3
D)4

Question

A rocket orbits a planet in a circular orbit at a constant speed as shown in the drawing.

Note these arrows:

-At the instant shown in the drawing, which arrow shows the direction of the reaction force exerted on the planet by the rocket?
A)1 
B)2 
C)3 
D)4

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's third law, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the rocket exerts a force on the planet to keep it in circular motion, the planet exerts an equal and opposite reaction force on the rocket. This reaction force is always directed towards the planet and is perpendicular to the velocity of the rocket. Arrow 2 shows the direction of this reaction force.

A Rocket Orbits a Planet in a Circular Orbit at a Constant