Centripetal Force of satellites

In summary, centripetal force is a force that acts towards the center of a circular motion, keeping an object in its circular path. It is also the force that keeps satellites in their orbit around a larger object, such as a planet or moon. The centripetal force of a satellite can be calculated using the formula F = (mv^2)/r, and it decreases as the distance from the larger object increases. If the centripetal force of a satellite is too weak, it will not be able to maintain its orbit and may crash into the larger object or drift off into space.
  • #1
Speedking96
104
0

Homework Statement



One of Saturn's satellites travels in a circular orbit at a velocity of 19481 m/s. Saturn's mass is 5.69x10^26 kg. What is the radius of the satellites orbit?

Homework Equations



Fg = (G * m1 * m2) / (r^2)

Fc = (m*v^2)/(r)

The Attempt at a Solution



The centripetal force is equal to the force of gravity in this case.

Therefore:

(G * m1 * m2) / (r^2) = (m*v^2)/(r)

(G * m1) = (v^2 * r)

(6.67x10^-11 * 5.69x10^26) = ((19481)^2 * r)

r = 100 003 593.9 meters ?

Thanks for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Everything here is in SI units,if your calculation is right,yes it should be in meters.
 

Related to Centripetal Force of satellites

1. What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is a force that acts towards the center of a circular motion, keeping an object in its circular path.

2. How is centripetal force related to satellites?

Centripetal force is the force that keeps satellites in their orbit around a larger object, such as a planet or moon.

3. How is the centripetal force of satellites calculated?

The centripetal force of a satellite is calculated using the formula F = (mv^2)/r, where F is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the satellite, v is the velocity of the satellite, and r is the radius of the satellite's orbit.

4. How does the centripetal force of a satellite change with its distance from the larger object?

The centripetal force of a satellite decreases as its distance from the larger object increases. This is because the gravitational force between the two objects decreases with distance, which in turn affects the centripetal force.

5. What happens if the centripetal force of a satellite is too weak?

If the centripetal force of a satellite is too weak, it will not be able to maintain its orbit and will either crash into the larger object or drift off into space.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
178
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
961
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
833
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top