Calculating Satellite Speed Based on Orbit Period

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the speed of a satellite in a circular orbit around Earth with a mass of 5.98 x 10^24 kg and an orbital period of 7.12 x 10^4 seconds, the correct equations must be applied. The user attempted to isolate the radius and then solve for velocity but received an incorrect answer of 1.26 x 10^7 m/s. The teacher pointed out that the equations were likely correct, but there may have been an error in the numerical calculations. Clarification on the actual numbers used in the calculations is needed to identify the mistake. Accurate calculations are essential for determining satellite speed based on orbital period.
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Homework Statement


A satellite is in a circular orbit about the Earth (M = 5.98 x 1024 kg). The period of the satellite is 7.12 x 104 s. What is the speed at which the satellite travels?

2. The attempt at a solution
I used the equation:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7176/math062gg0.gif

Re-arranged it to isolate r:

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/9274/math065rr5.gif

After I got radii, i solved for velocity:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3975/math053pd6.gif

My answer: 1.26x10^7 m/s
Teacher: Incorrect

Note: The numbers in the equations are not the actual ones i used.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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The equations seem right to me. Seems like something went wrong when plugging in the numbers. What are the actual numbers you used?
 

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