Calculating C for a Freely Falling Satellite

  • Thread starter Thread starter didimimi2266
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Satellite
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the constant C for a freely falling satellite using the formula T=C(R^3/GM)^0.5, where T represents the time taken for the satellite to reach Earth. Participants express confusion about the role of pi in the constant C and seek clarification on the meaning of T. The gravitational acceleration is described using the equation GM/r^2. The goal is to demonstrate that C equals pi/2^(1.5) through the satellite's equations of motion. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
didimimi2266
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A satellite falls freely towards the Earth starting from rest at distance R, much larger than the Earth's radius.Treating the Earth as a point mass M then
T=C(R^3/GM)^0.5
where G is gravitational constant
By using equation of motion of the satellite, show that C=pi/2^(1.5)

Homework Equations



use GM/r^2=a


The Attempt at a Solution


I m not sure how the satellite falls ...why is pi in the constant C??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's T supposed to be?
 
ideasrule said:
What's T supposed to be?

Sorry..T is the time taken by the satellite to reach the Earth
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculate Mass of Satellite: Step-by-Step Guide
Replies
16
Views
2K
Does an orbiting satellite speed up as it falls towards earth
Replies
3
Views
2K
Find the speed of a satellite at a distance R from Earth
Replies
39
Views
4K
Geosynchronous Satellites: Distance & Formula Analysis
Replies
4
Views
1K
A satellite in orbit in a system with one planet and two moons
Replies
1
Views
1K
Change in speed of satellite
Replies
3
Views
1K
Centripetal Acceleration of Satellite
Replies
7
Views
2K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
Replies
5
Views
2K
Physics: Circular motion and the orbital speeds of satellites
Replies
2
Views
1K
What is the Correct Radius and Mass of Earth for Satellite Orbit Calculations?
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top