A Geosynchronus Satellite Problem

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Homework Statement


Find the radius R of the orbit of a geosynchronous satellite that circles the earth. (Note that R is measured from the center of the earth, not the surface.)

Homework Equations


These are what I would assume this equation is going to use.

F = GmM/r2
F = mv2/r

gravitational constant G = 6.67*10^-11
mass of Earth = 5.98*10^24 kg
radius of Earth = 6.38*10^6 m

The Attempt at a Solution



Honestly, I am not even sure how i would find this equation without either the height or mass of the satellite, so if someone could please just help me set up the problem I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
~John
 
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For an object to travel in a circular path, like a circular orbit, a force must be exerted on it to maintain that path. In this problem what is that force? (Also I think you meant m*v^2/r not m*v^2/2)

It's also going to be important that you realize that the satellite goes around in its orbit once per day (to stay over the same spot on the earth).
 
XanziBar said:
For an object to travel in a circular path, like a circular orbit, a force must be exerted on it to maintain that path. In this problem what is that force? (Also I think you meant m*v^2/r not m*v^2/2)

It's also going to be important that you realize that the satellite goes around in its orbit once per day (to stay over the same spot on the earth).

Yes i did mean that and i fixed it ^_^

Thank you for the start, I will attempt to handle it from here.
~John