Artificial Planet: Finding Year Length in Earth Days

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the period of revolution for an artificial planet that orbits a sun, producing Earth-like gravity. The key equations involved are gravitational acceleration (g = GMm/r²) and centripetal acceleration (a = v²/r). The user successfully determined the period without needing the mass of the sun (M), focusing instead on the relationship between speed and gravitational acceleration. The solution was aided by recognizing the connection between velocity and gravitational force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force equations (g = GMm/r²)
  • Familiarity with centripetal acceleration (a = v²/r)
  • Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between velocity and gravitational acceleration in circular motion
  • Explore the concept of artificial gravity in rotating systems
  • Learn about orbital mechanics and Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Review advanced physics textbooks, such as "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of gravity and motion in theoretical astrophysics.

sps37
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Homework Statement


A science-fiction tale describes an artificial "planet" in the form of a band completely encircling a sun, as shown in the figure . The inhabitants live on the inside surface (where it is always noon). Imagine that this sun is exactly like our own, that the distance to the band is the same as the Earth-Sun distance (to make the climate temperate), and that the ring rotates quickly enough to produce an apparent gravity of g as on Earth.

What will be the period of revolution, this planet's year, in Earth days?

Homework Equations


g=GMm/r^2
a= v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried setting g=9.8ms^2 but I still keep getting stuck. I know that I'm solving for T, but my problem is that I'm left with unwanted variables, such as M, which are not even given in the question. Please any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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checked the calculation...
M is always coming into picture..
 
and what does that mean?
 
OK, I know that I have to determine the speed that the band revolves, in order to produce gravitational acceleration of 9.8m/s^2, but I have no clue how speed and gravitational acceleration are related. Please anyone?
 
sps37 said:
OK, I know that I have to determine the speed that the band revolves, in order to produce gravitational acceleration of 9.8m/s^2, but I have no clue how speed and gravitational acceleration are related. Please anyone?

Does v^2/r seem familiar?
 
hahaha thanks for that hint...it actually helped me solve it believe it or not.

BTW vishal, I solved it without using M at all.
 

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