Calculating Orbit Radius from Mass & Period

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the orbital radius of an object around Earth using its mass and orbital period, relevant equations can be found on educational websites. The discussion also touches on the relationship between kinetic and potential energy when an object reaches its maximum height after leaving the ground, noting that kinetic energy becomes zero at that point. At maximum height, the potential energy equals the initial kinetic energy, but it is expressed as negative in the gravitational potential energy formula. The conversation also explores the dynamics of objects in orbit, questioning whether they experience acceleration and how to calculate potential energy in that context. Understanding these principles is essential for accurately determining orbital mechanics and energy transformations.
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How do you find an orbital radius of an object around Earth with its mass and Orbital Period?
 
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Awsome, thanks man. Some of these equations I've never seen before help a lot lol
 
Never doubt the power of Mr.Google! :-p

:smile:
 
Kenetic/Potential Energy

When an object eaves the surface of the ground with a certain amount of Kenetic Energy and reaches a max height what does the Potential energy equal to?

I know the equation Ep = -Gmm/r but the question says it leaves the surface with 15 J of Kenetic energy.
 
When it reaches a max height, what happens to the kinetic energy?
 
It equals 0?

Does that mean potential energy is equal to it? or negative?
 
The potential energy at its max height is equal to the amount of kenetic energy the object has just after it leaves the ground
 
What about in orbit? How do you solve for Ep when you have Ek if you know the acceleration due to gravity and the mass?
 
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  • #10
In orbit with constant velocity? or is it accelerating? In space, there is no acceleration due to gravity because there is no gravity.
 
  • #11
Its orbiting the earth, and is at a point where gravity is equal to .233 m/s²
 
  • #12
I believe the equation you're looking for is:
Gravitational Potential Energy U = mg ( yf - yi ) = mg y

However, I'm not quite sure what you're asking
 
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