Calculating Gravity: Understanding Orbital Satellites in Circular Orbit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration due to gravity for satellites in a circular orbit at a height of 2.3E7 meters above Earth's surface. Participants emphasize the necessity of understanding the universal law of gravitation and Newton's Second Law to derive the acceleration. It is established that the mass of the satellite does not influence the gravitational acceleration at this distance. The key takeaway is that gravitational acceleration can be calculated using these fundamental principles of physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Universal Law of Gravitation
  • Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Understanding of circular orbital mechanics
  • Basic algebra for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Universal Law of Gravitation in detail
  • Learn how to apply Newton's Second Law in gravitational contexts
  • Explore the concept of gravitational acceleration at various altitudes
  • Investigate the effects of orbital mechanics on satellite motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in the mechanics of satellite orbits.

Didia
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this is one of the questions on my homework for today... can you guys explain to me how you will be able to get the answer for this?

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A satellites are placed in a circular orbit that is 2.3.59E7 m above the surface of the earth. What is the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity at this distance? :confused:
 
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Didia said:
this is one of the questions on my homework for today... can you guys explain to me how you will be able to get the answer for this?

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-
-
A satellites are placed in a circular orbit that is 2.3.59E7 m above the surface of the earth. What is the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity at this distance? :confused:

You need to know the universal gravitation law for the force of attraction between two objects. Then apply Newton's Second Law to find the acceleration of an object at that distance from the earth. You will find that the mass of the object does not matter. If you don't recognize the things I mentioned, find them in your text or search the internet.
 

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