Calculating Orbital Distance in Earth's Gravitational Field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital distance of a satellite in Earth's gravitational field, specifically at an altitude where the gravitational strength is 4.5 N/kg. Participants are examining the relationship between gravitational field strength, mass, and distance from the Earth's center.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether they have sufficient information to solve the problem, particularly regarding the need for the satellite's mass. Some participants discuss the formula for gravitational field strength and how to manipulate it to isolate the variable representing altitude.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some offering guidance on the mathematical approach to isolate the variable. There is a mix of confusion and attempts to clarify the steps needed to solve the equation, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted uncertainty regarding the necessity of the satellite's mass for solving the problem, as well as some confusion about the manipulation of the gravitational field strength equation.

quickslant
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I just want to know if there is enough information for me to answer this question.. to me it just seems like i should be given some more information

A satellite is designed to orbit Earth at an altitude above its surface that will place it in a gravitational field with a strength 4.5 N/kg

Calculate the distance above the surface of Earth at which the satellite must orbit.

Given :
Me = 5.98 x 10^24
Radius of Earth = 6.38 x10 ^6 km or 6.38 x 10^9 m
radius of satellite (r2) = RofE + X

it just seems like i should have the mass of the satellite to answer this question, can someone tell me if i have enough to solve it?
 
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The gravitational field strength is given by:

g = \frac{GM_{E}}{r^{2}}

So you have 4.5 = \frac{G(5.98\times10^{24})}{(R_{E}+X)^{2}} and solve for X.
 
Last edited:
thank you..
 
ok.. I am working this out and I am getting totally confused again
can someone show me how to isolate x in this equation?
 
Can someone tell me if this is right?
(Radius Earth + X)^2 = G(Mass earth)/ 4.5

or X = (Sqrt (G(Mass earth)/ 4.5)) - Radius Earth??
 
looks ok to me
 
Thank you thank you thank you
 

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