Weight/Satellite Above Earth's Surface

  • Thread starter Thread starter sweetpete28
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Surface
AI Thread Summary
The weight of a 62.3 kg man in a satellite orbiting at 8.44 x 10^6 m above Earth is not simply calculated by multiplying the acceleration due to gravity (1.82 m/s^2) by his mass, resulting in 113 N. This is incorrect because the astronaut is in a state of free-fall due to the satellite's orbit, which creates a sensation of weightlessness. The calculation assumes he is stationary above Earth, but in orbit, he experiences apparent weightlessness. The distinction between actual weight and apparent weight must be considered, as the effective gravitational force is altered by the satellite's motion. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurate weight assessments in orbital environments.
sweetpete28
Messages
80
Reaction score
0
Satellite of mass 457 kg orbits at 8.44 x 10^6 m above earth.

What is weight of 62.3kg man in satellite?

Acceleration due to gravity created by Earth at distance of satellite = GMe / r^2 = 1.82m/s^2 ...this is RIGHT.

So to get weight of astronaut I multiplied 1.82 by 62.3 = 113N...but this is WRONG...can someone please advise why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
sweetpete28 said:
Satellite of mass 457 kg orbits at 8.44 x 10^6 m above earth.

What is weight of 62.3kg man in satellite?

Acceleration due to gravity created by Earth at distance of satellite = GMe / r^2 = 1.82m/s^2 ...this is RIGHT.

So to get weight of astronaut I multiplied 1.82 by 62.3 = 113N...but this is WRONG...can someone please advise why?

No doubt that would be his weight if he were held stationary above the Earth at the given altitude, with no angular motion. But he is in orbit, and thus free-fall. If he were to place a spring scale between himself and the downward facing "floor" of the satellite, what do you suppose it would read?
 
sweetpete28 said:
Satellite of mass 457 kg orbits at 8.44 x 10^6 m above earth.

What is weight of 62.3kg man in satellite?

Acceleration due to gravity created by Earth at distance of satellite = GMe / r^2 = 1.82m/s^2 ...this is RIGHT.

So to get weight of astronaut I multiplied 1.82 by 62.3 = 113N...but this is WRONG...can someone please advise why?

Just checking that you considered the difference between the distance above the Earth [presumably the surface] and the Radius of the orbit - the distance to the centre of the Warth.

You are then faced with whether you are after the actual weight, or the apparent weight.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
Replies
5
Views
2K
What is the Correct Radius and Mass of Earth for Satellite Orbit Calculations?
Replies
1
Views
2K
How much work is done when a satellite is launched into orbit?
Replies
5
Views
2K
When do I include the Earth's radius in questions involving satellites?
Replies
5
Views
2K
A 1 500kg satellite is in orbit 250km above earth's surface.
Replies
14
Views
3K
Speed of satellite orbiting around the Earth
Replies
7
Views
2K
The Height and Speed of a Geosynchronous Satellite
Replies
11
Views
2K
Change in momentum for a satellite in circular orbit
Replies
6
Views
3K
Speed of a satellite above the earth?
Replies
2
Views
5K
Altitude of Satellites above the Surface of the Earth
Replies
26
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top