Calculate the Speed of a Satellite Moving in a Stable Circular Orbit

In summary, the formula for calculating the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit is v = √(GM/r), where v is the speed of the satellite, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the central body, and r is the distance between the satellite and the central body. The gravitational constant, denoted by G, is a fundamental physical constant that is used to quantify the strength of the gravitational force between two objects. The mass of the central body has a direct impact on the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit, as the greater the mass, the faster the satellite must travel to maintain a stable orbit. Similarly, the distance between the satellite and the central body also affects the speed, with
  • #1
Jade_lowe
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Homework Statement
Calculate the speed of a satellite moving in a stable circular orbit about the Earth at a height of 4870 km.
Relevant Equations
v = ? m/s
V = ? m/s V = D/T V = Square root (6.67 * 10^-11)(m)/r
 
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  • #2
Jade_lowe said:
Homework Statement:: Calculate the speed of a satellite moving in a stable circular orbit about the Earth at a height of 4870 km.
Relevant Equations:: v = ? m/s

V = ? m/s
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1. What is a stable circular orbit?

A stable circular orbit is a path that a satellite follows around a central body, such as a planet or star, where the gravitational force acting on the satellite is balanced by its centrifugal force. This results in a constant distance and speed for the satellite as it orbits the central body.

2. How do you calculate the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit?

The speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit can be calculated using the formula v = √(GM/r), where v is the speed, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the central body, and r is the distance between the satellite and the central body.

3. What is the unit of measurement for the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit?

The unit of measurement for the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit is meters per second (m/s).

4. Does the mass of the satellite affect its speed in a stable circular orbit?

No, the mass of the satellite does not affect its speed in a stable circular orbit. The speed only depends on the mass of the central body and the distance between the satellite and the central body.

5. Can the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit change?

No, the speed of a satellite in a stable circular orbit remains constant as long as the orbit remains stable and there are no external forces acting on the satellite.

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