Correct Option
Assertion (A) states that artificial satellites are always launched from the Earth in the eastward direction. This statement is largely true for most orbital launches. Launching eastward allows rockets to harness the Earth's rotational velocity, which provides an additional eastward speed boost. This boost reduces the amount of fuel required to achieve the desired orbital velocity, making launches more efficient and cost-effective.
Reason (R) states that the Earth rotates from west to east and so the satellite attains the escape velocity. While the first part, "the Earth rotates from west to east," is correct, the second part, "so the satellite attains the escape velocity," is incorrect. Escape velocity is approximately 11.2 km/s from Earth's surface. The Earth's rotational speed at the equator is about 0.465 km/s. This rotational speed provides a helpful boost but is far from sufficient to achieve escape velocity. Attaining escape velocity requires powerful rocket propulsion systems, not merely the Earth's rotation.
Since Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is false, option (c) is the correct choice.
Incorrect Options
Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because Reason (R) is false. The Earth's rotational speed, while providing an initial velocity boost, is significantly less than the escape velocity required to break free from Earth's gravity.
Option (d) is incorrect because Assertion (A) is true. Launching satellites eastward is a standard practice to utilize Earth's rotation for increased launch efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.