Calculate Geosynchronous Orbit Dist. to Earth's Center

[Shaunzio]

Homework Statement

A satellite is in a circular, geosynchronous orbit (makes one revolution around Earth in 24 hours). Calculate the distance in meters from the satellite to the Earth's center. Mass of Earth = 5.97 x 1024 kg

Homework Equations

T=((2*Pi)*r^(3/2))/sqrt(GM)

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought T equals the period 2Pi. So the the 2Pi's cancel and then you just plug in the variables. Unfortunately I'm not getting the right answer which is supposed to be: 4.2*10^7.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gneill]

Check to see what units the formula will produce.

 

[Shaunzio]

Would the units for T be radians?

 

[gneill]

Would the units for T be radians?

You're guessing? Why don't you expand the units from the formula and actually see what it is?