Question

When a satellite is launched from earth into orbit, which of the following has the least effect on the rocket carrying the satellite?
The force of gravity
Earth motion
Escape velocity
The type of satellite being launched

Answer 1

1) The force of gravity is important because it determines how energy is needed to actually get into space
2) The earth's motion is important but because the rocket moves with the same angular velocity as the earth it is not necessary to take it into account to actually get the satellite into space
3) The escape velocity is very important because if you don't go faster than this, you don't get into space
4) The type of satellite is important because it may be too large or heavy. If it's too large, then more space is required, thus more air friction to push against because of increased surface of the ship used to carry it. If it's too heavy, then more energy is needed. Both are very important to take into account to actually get the satellite into space.

Think about it like this. Which of all these things is important if you want to throw a ball a certain height. Gravity, escape velocity (implying air drag) and type of ball are all important. The motion of the earth is the least important of all.

Hope this helps.