Calculating satellites´ period of revolution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the period of revolution for a satellite orbiting 4200 km above the Earth's surface. The original poster attempts to determine the satellite's trajectory and period but encounters difficulties in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the acceleration of gravity at the satellite's altitude and discuss the role of centripetal acceleration in circular motion. There is also a mention of the necessity of mass in calculations, which is later clarified.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and clarifications regarding the necessary concepts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between gravitational and centripetal acceleration, suggesting a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that the satellite's trajectory is circular, and the discussion includes the need to reconsider the standard gravitational acceleration value at the specified height.

JukuJohannes
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Homework Statement


Earths´ satellite orbits 4200km above Earths surface. Count satellites´ trajectory circle-shaped and calculate satellites´period of revolution.

The Attempt at a Solution


I added the Earths´ radius to the 4200 km, which represents the orbiting attitude and then my mind crashed...
please some helpo:)
 
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Welcome to PF.

What is the acceleration of gravity at that height? (Hint: it's not 9.8)

What other acceleration is there from circular motion?
 
LowlyPion said:
Welcome to PF.

What is the acceleration of gravity at that height? (Hint: it's not 9.8)

What other acceleration is there from circular motion?

Of course the centripetal-acceleration but I thought that I should know the mass of the satellite to calculate the acceleration of gravity...

btw.. thanks for the welcome
 
JukuJohannes said:
Of course the centripetal-acceleration but I thought that I should know the mass of the satellite to calculate the acceleration of gravity...

btw.. thanks for the welcome

Since the 2 accelerations will need to offset to stay in orbit, you won't need the mass.
 
LowlyPion said:
Since the 2 accelerations will need to offset to stay in orbit, you won't need the mass.

yeah, that settles it down, I think I can see the big picture now,
Thank You!
 

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