Question

For a satellite already in perfect orbit around the Earth, what would happen if: - the satellite's speed is reduced? - the satellite's mass is reduced?

Answer 1

if the satellite is in perfect orbit around the earth then gravitational pull of the earth on the satellite and moving forward satellite is in perfect balance i.e gravity pull does not effect the orbit as the velocity of the satellite is good enough to counter the gravitational pull of the earth and inertia makes the satellite move forward with greater velocity but when its velocity is suddenly reduced then gravitational pull will counter on the orbitting satellite and it will crash onto the earth.

this is same as well of death when motorist moves in circular motion inside the well with centripetal and centrifugal forces balanced, suddenly crashes on the ground when velocity of the motorist is not enough balance forces.

  the satellite's mass has no affect on its orbit around the earth rather the mass of the earth is only affecting factor .