Question

Explain what happens when a body is raised to a height from the surface of earth and then given a horizontal velocity v such that:
i) 0 < v < 8.0 km/s
ii) v = 8.0 km/s
iii) 8.0 < v < 11.2 km/s
iv) v = 11.2 km/s

Answer 1

i) In this case body will fall down on Earth following the parabolic
trajectory, depending on velocity.
ii) In this case body will start orbiting the Earth at constant height on cir-
cular orbit. We would have to neglect friction due atmosphere to give such
conclusion.
iii) In this case body will orbit the Earth with elliptical orbit.
iv) In this case body will leave the Earth forever and start orbiting the Sun.