How Do You Calculate the Orbital Speed and Period of a Satellite?

In summary, the Solar Maximum Mission satellite was placed in a circular orbit 150 miles above the Earth. The orbital speed and time required for one complete revolution can be determined using Newton's laws of motion and considering the force of gravity between the satellite and the Earth.
  • #1
wowdusk
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Homework Statement


the solar maximum mission satellite was placed in a circular orbit about 150 miles above earth. Determine (a) the orbital speed of the satellite and (b) the time required for 1 complete revolution


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
But you haven't shown an attempt yet! Here's where I would start:

The force of gravity between the satellite and the Earth provides the centripetal force.
Fg = Fc
What should we do from here?
 
  • #3
try thinking about Newtons laws of motion and applying one of them in particular radially =]
 
  • #4
am i looking for angular velocity of velocity tangent to its orbit
 

Related to How Do You Calculate the Orbital Speed and Period of a Satellite?

1. What is orbital speed?

Orbital speed refers to the speed at which an object travels around another object in a circular or elliptical path. It is determined by the mass of the objects and the distance between them.

2. How is orbital speed calculated?

The formula for calculating orbital speed is v = √(GM/r), where v is the orbital speed, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the central object, and r is the distance between the two objects.

3. What factors affect orbital speed?

The factors that affect orbital speed include the mass of the objects, the distance between them, and any external forces acting on the objects, such as gravity or air resistance.

4. Can orbital speed change?

Yes, orbital speed can change if there are changes in the mass or distance of the objects, or if there are external forces acting on the objects. This can result in a change in the shape or size of the orbit.

5. How long does it take for an object to complete one orbit?

The time required for an object to complete one orbit, also known as the orbital period, is determined by the orbital speed and the distance between the objects. The formula for calculating orbital period is T = 2πr/v, where T is the orbital period, r is the distance between the objects, and v is the orbital speed.

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