Proton speed needed to circle the earth

In summary, the average speed of a proton needed to circle the Earth is approximately 7.9 km/s. This is much slower than the speed of light, which is over 37,000 times faster. The Earth's gravity affects the proton's speed, with stronger gravity requiring a faster speed to maintain orbit. A proton can travel at different speeds while orbiting the Earth due to changes in gravity. The speed is calculated using the formula for circular motion, which takes into account various factors such as the mass of the Earth and the gravitational constant.
  • #1
mba444
54
0

Homework Statement



Assume that Earth’s magnetic field is every-
where perpendicular to the path of a proton
and that Earth’s magnetic field has an inten-
sity of 4.19 × 10−8 T.
What speed would a proton need to achieve
in order to circle Earth 1550.0 km above the
magnetic equator?
Answer in units of m/s.



Homework Equations



r=m*v/Q*B
r=(r Earth + r given in the question )

The Attempt at a Solution



i solved for v but I am not sure if what I am doing is correct
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are in right track.
 
  • #3
thanX
 

1. What is the average speed of a proton needed to circle the Earth?

The average speed of a proton needed to circle the Earth depends on the distance between the proton and the Earth's center. The closer the proton is to the center, the slower its speed needs to be. However, on average, a proton would need to travel at a speed of approximately 7.9 km/s to complete one orbit around the Earth.

2. How does the proton speed needed to circle the Earth compare to the speed of light?

The speed of light is approximately 299,792 km/s, which is much faster than the average speed of a proton needed to circle the Earth. In fact, the proton would need to travel at a speed of over 37,000 times the speed of light to complete one orbit around the Earth.

3. How does the Earth's gravity affect the speed of a proton needed to orbit it?

The Earth's gravity plays a crucial role in determining the speed of a proton needed to circle it. The stronger the Earth's gravity, the faster the proton needs to travel to maintain its orbit. The Earth's gravity is also responsible for keeping the proton in a circular orbit instead of flying off into space.

4. Can a proton travel at different speeds while orbiting the Earth?

Yes, a proton can travel at different speeds while orbiting the Earth. This is because the Earth's gravity is not constant throughout the orbit. As the proton moves closer to the Earth's center, the gravity increases, causing it to speed up. As it moves further away, the gravity decreases, causing it to slow down.

5. How is the speed of a proton needed to circle the Earth calculated?

The speed of a proton needed to circle the Earth is calculated using the formula for circular motion, which takes into account the mass of the Earth, the distance between the proton and the Earth's center, and the gravitational constant. This calculation is also affected by any other objects or forces that may be present in the orbiting system.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
436
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
995
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
690
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
736
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
Back
Top