What causes a satellite to move tangentially to a circular path? air resistance friction inertia gravity

Explanation :  

A satellite moves tangentially to a circular path. While revolving around the circular path the centripetal force is acting on it. At the same time, gravitational force is also acting.

so, centripetal force  

and gravitational force

where, is mass of satellite

is the mass of earth

v is the velocity of satellite

G is the gravitational constant

These two forces are balancing each other

Satellite moves in circular orbit  with the speed of

So, gravity is responsible for the motion of satellite in a circular path.

i would say the answer is food.

hope this !

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