Calculate the force of Earth's gravity on a spacecraft

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around discrepancies between the user's calculations and the answers provided by the mastering physics program for three problems related to gravitational force and satellite velocities. For the first problem, the user calculates the gravitational force on a spacecraft at 2.5 Earth radii but gets a different answer than the program. In the second problem, the user determines the speeds of two satellites at different altitudes and finds a factor of 1.74, while the program states 1.4. The third problem involves calculating the altitude where gravity is half that at the surface, with the user arriving at approximately 9,022,262 m, contrasting with the program's 2,640,000 m. The user expresses confusion over the correct interpretation of the radius in relation to altitude, questioning whether the homework program or their calculations are flawed.
cabrady92
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I am in a classical physics class and the class requires that we use mastering physics for our homework. The only problem is that I can't get what mastering physics claims is the right answer to these problems. Can someone try these calculations to see if I am right or wrong?


Problem 6.1 : Calculate the force of Earth's gravity on a spacecraft 2.50 Earth radii above the Earth's surface if its mass is 1400 kg.
My calculations: F= G((m1mE)/r^2) = (6.67*10^-11)*((1400kg)*(5.97*10^24kg))/(6378km*2.5*10^3)^2= 2192.7 N

Their answer: 1120 n?


Problem 6.28: Two satellites orbit Earth at altitudes of 5600 km and 1.7×104 km.Which satellite is faster? By what factor? = vclose/vfar.
My calculations: vclose = sqrt(G(mE/r)), sqrt((6.67*10^-11)*(5.98*10^24kg)/(5600km*10^3)) = 8439.55 m/s

vfar = sqrt(G(mE/r)), sqrt((6.67*10^-11)*(5.98*10^24kg)/(17400*10^3)) = 4843.83 m/s

vclose/vfar = 1.74

Their answer: 1.4?

Problem 6.51: How far above the Earth's surface will the acceleration of gravity be half what it is at the surface?

My calculations: m1(1/2g) = Gm1mE/r^2, r^2 = 2GmE/g, r = sqrt(2GmE/g), r = sqrt( 2*(6.67*10^-11)*(5.98*10^24)/9.8) = 9022262 m

Their answer: 2640000 m?


Can you try solving these answers and tell me what I am doing wrong or if the homework program is flawed?
 
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