Period of a satellite orbiting Earth

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the period of a satellite orbiting Earth at a distance of 4200 km. The equations used include a=v2/r, F=GmM/r2, c=2r*PI, and v=l/t. After finding the gravitational acceleration and velocity, the period is calculated to be 10820 seconds, which is different from the textbook's answer of 8300 seconds. However, using the Newtonian variation of Kepler's third law, the correct answer can be obtained.
  • #1
fawk3s
342
1

Homework Statement



A satellite is orbiting Earth 4200 km from Earth's surface. Considering the trajectory to be a circle, calculate the period of the orbiting satellite.

Homework Equations



a=v2/r
F=GmM/r2
c=2r*PI
v=l/t

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, the textbook gives the mass of the Earth to be M=5,98*1024 kg and the radius of Earth RE=6,38*106 m

So the radius of the orbit is R=RE+4200 km=10,58*106 m

Now off to find the gravitational acceleration for the satellite at the given distance (which is also the centripetal acceleration in this case)

F=GmM/R2
a=F/m

so

a=GM/R2
a=3,56 m/s2

a=v2/R => v=sqrt(a*R)
v=6,14*103 m/s

c=2R*PI
c=66,44*106

And now for the period

v=c/T => T=c/v
T=10820 s

The textbook says it ought to be 8300 s. Where did I go wrong? Have double checked the numbers, so don't think its a calculation error.

Thanks in advance,
fawk3s
 
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  • #2
I get the same answer you do. The book's answer is wrong.
 
  • #3
This post may be redundant, as I'm not sure exactly what you did on the second half, but...

If you use the Newtonian variation of Kepler's third law, the number pops out straight away!
 
  • #4
Thanks guys.
 

1. What is the period of a satellite orbiting Earth?

The period of a satellite orbiting Earth refers to the time it takes for the satellite to complete one full orbit around the Earth. This is typically measured in minutes, hours, or days depending on the speed of the satellite and its distance from Earth.

2. How is the period of a satellite orbiting Earth calculated?

The period of a satellite orbiting Earth can be calculated using Kepler's Third Law, which states that the square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit. This means that the farther a satellite is from Earth, the longer its period will be.

3. What factors can affect the period of a satellite orbiting Earth?

The period of a satellite orbiting Earth can be affected by several factors, including the mass of the Earth, the distance between the Earth and the satellite, and the velocity of the satellite. Changes in any of these factors can result in a longer or shorter period for the satellite.

4. Does the altitude of a satellite affect its period?

Yes, the altitude of a satellite does affect its period. Satellites in higher orbits have longer periods, as they are further away from the gravitational pull of the Earth. This is why geostationary satellites, which are positioned at an altitude of 35,786 km, have a period of 24 hours and appear to be stationary in the sky.

5. How does the period of a satellite orbiting Earth impact its coverage area?

The period of a satellite orbiting Earth can impact its coverage area, as a longer period means the satellite will travel a greater distance during each orbit. This allows the satellite to cover a larger area of the Earth's surface. For example, a satellite with a period of 90 minutes will cover a larger area than a satellite with a period of 45 minutes.

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