Centripetal Acceleration of object orbiting earth

AI Thread Summary
Centripetal acceleration for an object orbiting Earth can be calculated using the formula a = GM/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the radius of the orbit. The discussion raises a question about the conditions under which this formula applies, specifically whether GM/r^2 always equals centripetal acceleration. It is noted that discrepancies may arise in calculations, suggesting that the relationship may not hold in all scenarios. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying physics principles governing gravitational forces and circular motion. Clarification on when these equations align is sought to resolve the confusion.
Fusilli_Jerry89
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Homework Statement


An object orbits the Earth at a constant speed in a circle of radius 6.38x10^6m, very close to but not touching the Earth's surface. What is its centripetal acceleraion?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Quick question, when would GM/r^2 equal to the centripetal acceleration, and when wouldn't it? I thought it always did but some calculations don't have the same numbers if you do it both ways. For this question would it be?
 
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Well, force is GMm/r^2 (Newton et al) and acceleration is force/m (Newton et al). So acceleration=GM/r^2. If you have evidence otherwise, cough it up.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
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Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
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