Gravitational Force Between Point Masses problem 17

The gravitational force always acts towards the centre of the planet, it continuously pulls the satellite inward, changing its direction without changing its speed. The satellite’s velocity is always perpendicular to the force of gravity, resulting in uniform circular motion rather than falling straight down.

The two forces acting on the object that give rise to this centripetal acceleration are the gravitational force and the normal reaction force. The net force is what provides the required centripetal acceleration, keeping the object moving in a circular path with the Earth's rotation.