Centripetal Force of satellites

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the radius of a satellite's orbit around Saturn, given its velocity of 19481 m/s and Saturn's mass of 5.69x10^26 kg. The centripetal force is equated to gravitational force, leading to the equation (G * m1 * m2) / (r^2) = (m*v^2)/(r). By rearranging the formula, the radius is calculated as approximately 100,003,593.9 meters. The calculations are confirmed to be in SI units, ensuring accuracy. The solution effectively demonstrates the relationship between gravitational and centripetal forces in orbital mechanics.
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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.
 
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Everything here is in SI units,if your calculation is right,yes it should be in meters.
 
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