Calculating Energy Required to Move a Space Shuffle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy required to move a space shuttle from an orbital radius of 1.3 x 107 m to 2.5 x 107 m. Participants are exploring concepts related to gravitational potential energy and the implications of changing orbital radii.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the area under a graph and the energy required for the shuttle's movement. Questions arise about the assumptions regarding mass loss during fuel consumption, the role of gravitational influence, and the effect of time on energy changes.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the assumptions and variables involved, while others seek clarification on the calculations and underlying principles. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the information provided may be insufficient for a complete analysis, particularly regarding the assumptions about mass and gravitational influence. The discussion also references a graph of gravity versus distance, which is central to the energy calculation.

bayan
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Hi everyone.

I have a question about energy required to move a space shuffle from a radius of [tex]1.3*10^7 m[/tex] to [tex]2.5*10^7 m[/tex]

I know that the area underneath the graph represents the amount of energy required and may even be able to work it using ingral laws. but is there an easy way?
 
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May I know is the 'changing radius' that of the shuffle? or is it that you ar etaking it away from something of a particvular radius.
 
bayan said:
Hi everyone.

I have a question about energy required to move a space shuffle from a radius of [tex]1.3*10^7 m[/tex] to [tex]2.5*10^7 m[/tex]

I know that the area underneath the graph represents the amount of energy required and may even be able to work it using ingral laws. but is there an easy way?
What is the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy of the shuttle in orbits of each of these two radii? What is the energy difference?

AM
 
bayan the information provided in your ? is insufficient, cos the shuttle can be movied with the most least energy if its 1) of lesser mass 2) not under gravitational influence and 3) if more time can be taken
 
nykill said:
bayan the information provided in your ? is insufficient, cos the shuttle can be movied with the most least energy if its 1) of lesser mass 2) not under gravitational influence and 3) if more time can be taken
Really?
1) The Shuttle will lose mass by burning fuel, but I think the question assumes that fuel loss can be ignored. That may or may not be reasonable but since we are not given the rate of fuel consumption we have no choice. 2) how does it move in a circle (of the given radius) if there is no gravity? 3) how does the amount of time taken to change orbital radius affect the energy change?

AM
 
it is the radius of the orbit of space suffle. it is to be moved from [tex]1.3*10^7 m[/tex] from center of Earth to [tex]2.5*10^7 m[/tex] from the center of the earth.

They have given the graph for Gravity Vs Distance and I know that the amount of energy is the area under the graph. but how can I find it and showing any work out? I did find it using a calculator.
 
bayan said:
it is the radius of the orbit of space suffle. it is to be moved from [tex]1.3*10^7 m[/tex] from center of Earth to [tex]2.5*10^7 m[/tex] from the center of the earth.

They have given the graph for Gravity Vs Distance and I know that the amount of energy is the area under the graph. but how can I find it and showing any work out? I did find it using a calculator.
So what did you input into the calculator and what was your answer?

AM
 
I put it as [tex]y=\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex] where [tex]r=x[/tex]and found the area for [tex]1.3*10^7 m >x<2.5*10^7 m[/tex]

my answer was [tex]1472360J[/tex]
 

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