Calculating Orbital Periods in Saturn's Rings

  • Thread starter Thread starter solo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravitational
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital periods of chunks of ice in Saturn's rings, with specific focus on the inner and outer radii of the rings. The problem also touches on estimating the length of a year on Venus based on its distance from the sun compared to Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using gravitational and centripetal force equations to find orbital periods. There are questions about how to relate radius and orbital velocity to period, as well as clarifications on the variables involved in the equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed confusion regarding the application of formulas and the definitions of variables. Others have begun to clarify their understanding of the relationships between gravitational force, mass, and orbital motion, indicating a progression in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the textbook does not provide clear explanations, leading to questions about the correct application of formulas and the meaning of certain variables.

solo
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
i have no idea how to do this :(

Venus is an average distance of 1.08x10^8 km from the sun. Estimate the length of the Venutian year given that the Eearth is 1.50x10^8 from the sun on the average?

answer in years.
one more :(

the rings of saturn are composed of chunks of ice that orbit the planet. the inner radius of the rings is 73,000 km, while the outer radius is 170,000 km. The mass of saturn is 5.69x10^26 kg.

a) find period of orbiting chunk of ice at inner r
b) find period of orbiting chunk of ice at outer r

im thikning I am going to use the formula: F = m1m2 / r^2 but I am not sure how to approach it

help would be appreciated


thanks dudes
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
F = m v^2 / r is centripetal force right

and thanks for the help
 
coudl you please clarify how to use the radius and orbital velocity to find the period?

my texctbook doesn't give a good explanation?

thanks

F = m v^2 / r

so it would be G m m(e) / r^2 = m v^2 / r

what would m(e) be
 
Last edited:
yes thank you it is finally clear

G ( 5.69 x 1-^26) / (170,000,000)^2 = v^2/r

finally

i got it :D
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
6K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
19K