Centripetal Acceleration

[Fusilli_Jerry89]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
An object orbits the earth at a constant speed in a circle of radius 6.38x10^6m, very close to but not touching the earth's surface. What is its centripetal acceleraion?


2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution
Quick question, when would GM/r^2 equal to the centripetal acceleration, and when wouldn't it? I thought it always did but some calculations don't have the same numbers if you do it both ways. For this question would it be?

[Dick]

Well, force is GMm/r^2 (Newton et al) and acceleration is force/m (Newton et al). So acceleration=GM/r^2. If you have evidence otherwise, cough it up.