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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2011
Space & ISRO
Question No. 120Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q120. An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth_______

An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth_______

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2011 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Provides the necessary acceleration for its motion

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

The gravitational attraction of the Earth acts as the centripetal force required to keep the satellite in circular or elliptical orbit. This force continuously accelerates the satellite towards the Earth's center by changing its direction of velocity, preventing it from flying off into space while orbital velocity keeps it in free fall around the curvature of Earth.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Gravity provides centripetal acceleration ($a = v^2/r$) that constantly alters the direction of the velocity vector rather than providing linear speed.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2011 (Q120)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Space & ISRO
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Provides the necessary acceleration for its motion

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2011 Q120

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2011 GS Paper I Question 120 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2011 Science and Technology (Space & ISRO) question is Option (D): "Provides the necessary acceleration for its motion". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2011 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Space & ISRO". You can explore all repeated questions from Space & ISRO in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Space & ISRO UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Gravity provides centripetal acceleration ($a = v^2/r$) that constantly alters the direction of the velocity vector rather than providing linear speed.

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