Physics Problem: Satellites in Circular Orbits

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital period of a satellite around a planet, specifically focusing on the application of gravitational and centripetal force equations in the context of circular orbits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of the formula for orbital period, questioning its correctness and discussing the potential need for adjustments, such as including a square root. Others suggest an alternative approach by equating centripetal force to gravitational force to derive the velocity and subsequently the period.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on checking the formula used and suggesting alternative methods. There is a recognition of potential errors in the original calculations, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on showing work and verifying the correctness of formulas used.

shawonna23
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A satellite orbits a planet at a distance of 3.70*10^8 m. Assume that this distance is between the centers of the planet and the satellite and that the mass of the planet is 3.93*10^24 kg. Find the period for the moon's motion around the earth. Express the answers in Earth days.


I tried using this equation: T= (2pi)(r)^(3/2) divided by square root of GMe
The answer I got wasn't right. Please Help!
 
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I know this sounds like a lot of work but if your equations aren't working right and nobody else gives an answer (I'll delete this if someone does) you can just set centripetal force equal to the gravitational force between two bodies (the mass of the moon cancels out so you don't need it but put it in as a constant first) and solve for the velocity. This velocity can then be used to calculate the period. Edit I would like to point out if you pull this off you will have derived the equation you were told to use.
 
Shawonna, show us your work using that formula, because it should work.
 
Physics Problem: Satellites in Circular Orbits

Here is my work:

T= 2*pi*(3.70*10^8)^(3/2) DIVIDED BY (6.67*10^-11)*(3.93*10^24)

i keep getting the wrong answer.
 
U sure the formula is right??
i have this feeling u missed a root somewhere
prolly sqrt(G)??

-- AI
 
I think Tenali is right. I don't see sqrt() in any of your work.
 
If you used the formula correctly, you should have got an answer in the order of 32 days.
 

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