Centripetal motion, find radius - which solution is correct?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the radius of Saturn's orbit using two methods, yielding different results. The first method uses the orbital period and speed, resulting in a radius of approximately 9.24 x 10^11 meters. The second method applies centripetal force equating to gravitational force, giving a radius of about 1.41 x 10^12 meters. The discrepancy arises from an incorrect orbital period provided in the problem, which should be 29 years instead of 19. Both methods are valid, but the error in the orbital period affects the calculations.
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Homework Statement


The planet Saturn will orbit the Sun every 19 Earth years (= 599 184 000 seconds). Assume Saturn travels on a circular orbit with a speed of 9 690m/s. What is the radius of the orbit of Saturn?

I can solve this in two different ways, and get two different values. Which is the correct approach, & why?

2. Homework Equations & attempt at solution.

T = (2πr)/V - that is, period is 2π*radius over speed.,
so, r = (T*V)/2π
so, radius = 9.24 x 1011m

However, if, the centripetal forces equals the universal law of gravitation, that is,
Fc = Fg
(m*v2)/r = (Gm1m2)/r2
r = (G*msun)/v2
r = [(6.67x10-11)(1.99x1030kg)]/(9690m/s2)
r = 1.41 x 1012m

So, why the difference? What applies, and what doesn't apply and why?

Thanks!
 
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Tyrannosaurus_ said:

Homework Statement


The planet Saturn will orbit the Sun every 19 Earth years (= 599 184 000 seconds). Assume Saturn travels on a circular orbit with a speed of 9 690m/s. What is the radius of the orbit of Saturn?

I can solve this in two different ways, and get two different values. Which is the correct approach, & why?

2. Homework Equations & attempt at solution.

T = (2πr)/V - that is, period is 2π*radius over speed.,
so, r = (T*V)/2π
so, radius = 9.24 x 1011m

However, if, the centripetal forces equals the universal law of gravitation, that is,
Fc = Fg
(m*v2)/r = (Gm1m2)/r2
r = (G*msun)/v2
r = [(6.67x10-11)(1.99x1030kg)]/(9690m/s2)
r = 1.41 x 1012m

So, why the difference? What applies, and what doesn't apply and why?

Thanks!
Both of your methods are correct, but the problem maker gave wrong orbital period. It is 29 years, instead of 19.
 
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ehild said:
Both of your methods are correct, but the problem maker gave wrong orbital period. It is 29 years, instead of 19.
Thanks so much! I was going crazy!
 
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