Satellite in a circular orbit

In summary, the problem involves a satellite of mass 6500 kg orbiting the Earth at a radius of 8.4 x 10^6 m. The mass of the Earth is 6.0 x 10^24 kg. To find the satellite's speed, the Momentum Principle must be used. To determine the minimum amount of energy needed to move the satellite to a far location, the Energy Principle must be used. It is not specified whether basic principles or equations can be used to solve the problem. A request for a detailed explanation on how to find the minimum energy has also been made.
  • #1
jamagner
5
0
You will need to use the Momentum Principle to do the first part of this problem, and the Energy Principle to do the second part.

A satellite of mass 6500 kg orbits the Earth in a circular orbit of radius of 8.4 106 m (this is above the Earth's atmosphere).The mass of the Earth is 6.0 1024 kg.

What is the speed of the satellite?

What is the minimum amount of energy required to move the satellite from this orbit to a location very far away from the Earth?
 
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  • #2
jamagner said:
You will need to use the Momentum Principle to do the first part of this problem, and the Energy Principle to do the second part.

That is to say, you need to use them. The forum rules require you to show the readers here at least what you tried to do to work on the problems.

Are you saying that they want you to derive the orbital speed of the satellite starting from basic principles? Or are you allowed to use certain equations that were derived in your course?
 
  • #3
The minimun energy.

Could someone please answer the question on how to get the minimun energy that was just asked please, explain in full detail.

Thanks
 

1. What is a satellite in a circular orbit?

A satellite in a circular orbit is an object that is launched into space and moves around a larger celestial body in a circular path. It can be natural, like the moon, or artificial, like a satellite launched by humans.

2. How does a satellite maintain a circular orbit?

A satellite maintains a circular orbit by balancing the centripetal force (force towards the center of the orbit) and the gravitational force from the larger celestial body. This results in a constant speed and distance from the object it is orbiting.

3. What factors affect the stability of a satellite in a circular orbit?

The stability of a satellite in a circular orbit is affected by factors such as the mass of the satellite, its speed, and the mass of the celestial body it is orbiting. Other factors like atmospheric drag and gravitational pull from other objects can also impact the stability of the orbit.

4. How do scientists calculate the orbital period of a satellite?

The orbital period of a satellite in a circular orbit can be calculated using the formula T=2π√(r³/GM), where T is the orbital period, r is the distance from the center of the orbit, G is the gravitational constant, and M is the mass of the celestial body it is orbiting.

5. Can a satellite in a circular orbit change its altitude?

Yes, a satellite in a circular orbit can change its altitude by using thrusters or other propulsion systems. This can be done to adjust its position in the orbit or to deorbit the satellite at the end of its mission.

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