Calculating Satellite Orbit Time

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the time required for a satellite to orbit Earth, given its average speed and altitude above the Earth's surface. The context includes considerations of orbital mechanics and the relevant equations for distance and speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the orbital time using the formula for time based on distance and speed, while others provide feedback on the accuracy of the calculations and suggest maintaining precision in numerical values.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in reviewing the calculations presented, with some affirming the original poster's approach while others suggest improvements regarding precision. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the final answer, but constructive feedback is being shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of maintaining accuracy in calculations and the potential impact of rounding on the final result. The discussion reflects a focus on mathematical rigor in the context of homework constraints.

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Homework Statement


The average speed of an orbiting satellite is 20,000 mph. How much time is required for the satellite to orbit Earth? (the satellite is orbiting 250 miles above the Earth’s surface, and remember that the Earth has a radius of 3,963 miles.)


Homework Equations


t=d/v
2∏(r)


The Attempt at a Solution


3963+250=4213

2∏(4213)
6.28(4213)
26457.84 miles

26457.64/20000
=1.32 hours*60mins
=79.2 mins

Did I do this correctly?
 
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It looks OK.
 
Thank you for the response.
 
I don't see anything wrong. But, for the future; try to keep exact, or near exact answers throughout your problem, for example, when you multiplied ##6.28## by ##4213## you got ##26457.84##mi, whereas the exact answer was ##8426\pi##mi or ##26471.0597##mi. Besides that I don't see anything wrong with your solution.
 

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