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cdotter
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I'm having some trouble understanding this (not a homework question by the way.)
A satellite orbits the Earth with a certain angular velocity. Centripetal acceleration is directed radially inward. Acceleration due to gravity of the Earth is also directed radially inward. If I draw a free body diagram for this I get two forces directed radially inward. But the satellite doesn't fall towards the Earth because it has sufficient angular velocity. Where in the free body diagram would the acceleration pointed radially outward (to counter acceleration due to gravity and centripetal force) be and how does it come about?
A satellite orbits the Earth with a certain angular velocity. Centripetal acceleration is directed radially inward. Acceleration due to gravity of the Earth is also directed radially inward. If I draw a free body diagram for this I get two forces directed radially inward. But the satellite doesn't fall towards the Earth because it has sufficient angular velocity. Where in the free body diagram would the acceleration pointed radially outward (to counter acceleration due to gravity and centripetal force) be and how does it come about?