Calculating Satellite Orbit Time

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the time required for a satellite to orbit Earth at an average speed of 20,000 mph from an altitude of 250 miles, the total radius used is 4,213 miles. The circumference of the orbit is calculated as approximately 26,471 miles. Dividing this distance by the speed gives a time of about 1.32 hours or 79.2 minutes for one complete orbit. The solution is generally correct, but maintaining precision in calculations is advised for accuracy. Overall, the method used to determine the orbital time is valid.
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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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