An object is held at a location 5000 km above the surface of Jupiter and is then released. A second object is initially held at the same location, but is thrown horizontally so that it enters a circular orbit about Jupiter. Which of the following statements is true regarding the accelerations of the two objects?See answer
An object is held at a location 5000 km above the surface of Jupiter and is then released A second object is initially held at the same location but is thrown horizontally so that it enters a circular…
Question
Basic Answer
Correct Answer:
The object that is released has a greater acceleration than the object in a circular orbit.
Analyzing the Answer：
The object that is released experiences only the gravitational force of Jupiter. This force causes a downward acceleration towards the center of Jupiter. The object in circular orbit also experiences the gravitational force of Jupiter, but this force provides the centripetal force needed to maintain its circular motion. The centripetal acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle (Jupiter), but its magnitude is less than the acceleration due to gravity alone. Therefore, the freely falling object experiences a greater acceleration.
Analysis of other options：
[Other options are not provided, so a comparison cannot be made. To complete the analysis, please provide the other options.]