Calculating a Spy Satellite's Orbit Parameters

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To calculate the altitude of a spy satellite in a circular orbit with a 6-hour revolution, the mass of the satellite is not needed as it cancels out in the equations. The gravitational force equation GMm/r^2 equals the centripetal force m(v^2/r), allowing for simplification to GM/r^2 = v^2/r. To find the satellite's speed, additional equations relating orbital period and radius must be derived using the 6-hour time frame. With two equations and two unknowns, both the radius and acceleration can be determined. Proper application of these principles will yield the satellite's height above Earth's surface and its acceleration.
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Homework Statement



A spy satellite is in circular orbit around Earth. It makes one revolution in 6.00 hours.

(a) How high above Earth's surface is the satellite?
________ km
(b) What is the satellite's acceleration?
________ m/s2

Homework Equations



GMm/r^2 = m(v^2/r)


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand how you find these answers if you don't have the mass of the satelite.
 
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masses cancel...

GMm/r^2 = m(v^2/r)

you can cancel m from both sides

GM/r^2 = v^2/r

you need to look up M the mass of the earth...

Get another equation in terms of v and r (use the 6.00hr)

Then you can solve for r and v, since you have 2 equations with 2 unknowns.
 

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