Question

The satellites orbiting the earth, eventually fall to the earth when they are left unsupervised or unattended because _____

(a) their power supply runs out

(b) of viscous forces causing the speed of the satellite and hence height to gradually decrease

(c) the laws of gravitation predict such a trajectory

(d) of collisions with other satellites

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) of viscous forces causing the speed of the satellite and hence height to gradually decrease

The best explanation: Due to the presence of some gases of the atmosphere and other debris, the satellites speed is reduced due to viscous forces. This reduces the height of the satellite. Hence, it eventually falls to the earth.