A ball is released from a spacecraft in circular orbit around Earth at altitude 220 km. What happens to the ball immediately after release, neglecting drag?
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A ball is released from a spacecraft in circular orbit around Earth at altitude 220 km. What happens to the ball immediately after release, neglecting drag?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: At release, the ball retains the spacecraft’s tangential orbital velocity and is still acted on by Earth’s gravity. Step 2: With unchanged position and velocity, it continues in essentially the same circular orbit. Final answer: C — It continues with the same speed in the spacecraft’s original orbit.