Calculating Altitude of Synchronous Orbit on Rotating Pluto

  • Thread starter Thread starter CinderBlockFist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Kepler Law
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The altitude of a synchronous orbit over Pluto can be calculated using its mass, rotational period, and the laws of dynamics and gravitational attraction. The mass of Pluto is established at 1.196 x 1022 kg, and its rotational period is 6.39 days. To find the altitude, one must convert the period into seconds to calculate angular velocity using the formula ω = 2π/T. Applying Newton's second law of dynamics is essential for determining the necessary altitude for synchronous orbit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational attraction laws
  • Knowledge of Newton's second law of dynamics
  • Familiarity with angular velocity calculations
  • Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate angular velocity using ω = 2π/T with T in seconds
  • Apply Newton's second law to derive the altitude of synchronous orbit
  • Research the effects of Pluto's mass on satellite dynamics
  • Explore the implications of synchronous orbits in planetary science
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying orbital mechanics or planetary dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

CinderBlockFist
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
A satellite hovers over a certain spot on the equator of (rotating) Pluto. What is the altitude of its orbit (called a "synchronous orbit")?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
CinderBlockFist said:
A satellite hovers over a certain spot on the equator of (rotating) Pluto. What is the altitude of its orbit (called a "synchronous orbit")?

You need to know:
1.Mass of Planet Pluto.

2.The 2-nd law of dynamics.

3.The law of gravitational attraction.

4.The period of rotation around its axis for the planet Pluto.

Daniel.
 
ok thanks brb , sheesh this is killing me.
 
Well i know

Mass of Pluto = 1.196 x 10 ^ 22 kg

Period of Rotation = 6.39 days

I don't know where i go from there?
 
U'll need the \omega=\frac{2\pi}{T}

So express the T (period in seconds).Then find the angular velocity and then appy the 2-nd law of dynamics...

Daniel.
 
Is 2nd law of dynamics, you mean Newtons 2nd law? Because I haven't taken dynamics class yet.
 
Yes,of course.Report any bad results,if any.

Daniel.
 

Similar threads

Kepler's law of periods problems about orbiting satellite
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Using Kepler's laws to calculate elliptical planetary motion
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Kepler's 3rd Law Question finding how long a year is for Pluto
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Kepler's Third Law satellite problem
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How much work is done when a satellite is launched into orbit?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
What Are the Formulas for Calculating Height in Synchronous Orbit?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What is the K.E. of the satellite?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Centripetal Force / circular motion question
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Infer diameter of Pluto from orbiting Charon
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Calculating Delta V for Orbit Change
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K