Angular Momentum: Earth vs Geo-Stationary Satellite

  • Thread starter Bipix
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In summary, if the angular momentum of the Earth is omega (w) and a geostationary satellite moves with the same angular velocity, the satellite will appear at rest relative to people on the Earth. This is why they are called geostationary/geosynchronous satellites, as they remain in a fixed position in the sky. This allows for satellite dishes on the ground to be permanently pointed at the satellite without the need for tracking.
  • #1
Bipix
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suppose the angular momentum of the Earth is omega (w) and a geo stationary satellite also moves with the same angular velocity then will the people on Earth see the satellite at rest or in motion??
 
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  • #2
It will be at rest relative to people on the Earth, that's where they get their name geostationary/geosynchronous satellites.
 
  • #3
It will appear at rest to the people on the ground, that is the whole point. That way you can bolt a satellite dish on the ground permanently pointing at the one patch of sky where the satellite sits that it is communicating with and not have to worry about the dish tracking the satellite.
 

1. What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a measure of the rotational motion of an object around a fixed axis. It is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by its velocity and the distance between the axis of rotation and the object.

2. How does Earth's angular momentum compare to that of a geostationary satellite?

Earth's angular momentum is significantly greater than that of a geostationary satellite. This is because Earth is much larger and has a faster rotational velocity, due to its larger mass and shorter distance from the axis of rotation.

3. Why is a geostationary satellite able to maintain its position above a fixed point on Earth?

A geostationary satellite is able to maintain its position above a fixed point on Earth because its orbital period is equal to Earth's rotational period. This means that the satellite completes one orbit around Earth in the same amount of time that it takes for Earth to rotate once on its axis, resulting in the satellite appearing stationary from Earth's surface.

4. How does the angular momentum of Earth and a geostationary satellite affect their stability?

The greater angular momentum of Earth allows it to maintain its stable rotational motion, while the geostationary satellite's lower angular momentum makes it more susceptible to perturbations from other celestial bodies. However, the satellite's orbit is designed to minimize these perturbations, allowing it to maintain its position above Earth for a longer period of time.

5. Can the angular momentum of Earth or a geostationary satellite be changed?

Yes, the angular momentum of both Earth and a geostationary satellite can be changed by external forces. For example, Earth's angular momentum can be affected by the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies, while a geostationary satellite's angular momentum can be altered by small adjustments to its orbit.

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