Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth

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To calculate the weight of a satellite on the Earth's surface, the mass of the satellite (340 kg) and the gravitational acceleration (approximately 9.81 m/s²) are used, resulting in a weight of about 3,340 N or 3.34 kN. For the gravitational force on the satellite in orbit, the formula Fg = G(m1*m2)/r² is applied, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 is the satellite's mass, and m2 is the Earth's mass. The correct distance for the calculation should be the radius of the orbit minus the Earth's radius, leading to a gravitational force of approximately 294.4 N or 0.2944 kN. It is important to ensure the distance used in the formula reflects the separation from the center of the Earth. Accurate calculations are crucial for understanding the gravitational interactions between the satellite and the Earth.
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A communications satellite with a mass of 340 kg is in a circular orbit about the Earth. The radius of the orbit is 27800 km as measured from the center of the Earth.
(a) Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth.
(b) Calculate the gravitational force exerted on the satellite by the Earth when it is in orbit.

Well here are some information needed for the problem...
Mass of Earth = 5.97x10^24 kg
Radius of Earth = 6,356,908.8 m

I already have a...
But for b.. I used the equation Fg= G(m1*m2)/r^2
so... Fg = (6.67x10^-11 * 340 * 5.97^24)/(27800000-6356908.8)^2 = 294.4 N is this right? because it asks for it in kN which is .2944 kN did i do something wrong somewhere because somehow that isn't right...
 
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The distance in Newton's Law of Gravitation is from the center of mass of the two objects involved. In this case, it'll be essentially from the center of the Earth, not from the surface.
 
thanks diane...
 

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