Circular Motion (Orbiting Objects)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving circular motion, specifically focusing on a satellite in orbit around the Earth. The original poster presents two parts: calculating the satellite's speed and determining the time for one complete orbit, using given values for gravitational acceleration and Earth's radius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation for centripetal acceleration to find the satellite's speed but questions the correctness of their calculation. Other participants suggest verifying the calculations and express confusion regarding the second part of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing feedback on the original poster's approach. There is a recognition that the equation used is appropriate, but there is uncertainty about the calculations and the completion of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clarity in the problem statement, particularly regarding the second part, which was initially overlooked. There is an emphasis on ensuring that calculations are thoroughly checked before finalizing answers.

physicsluv
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Homework Statement


*Part 1*
A satellite is in a circular orbit 4000 km above
the Earth’s surface; i.e., it moves on a circular
path under the influence of nothing but the
Earth’s gravity. Find the speed of the satellite. The radius of the Earth is 6.37 x10^6 , and the acceleration of gravity at the satellite’s altitude is3.71055 m/s^2.
Answer in units of km/s

*Part 2*
Find the time it takes to complete one orbit
around the Earth.
Answer in units of s.

Homework Equations



a=v^2/r
Fc=mv^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



For part one, I used a=v^2/r (3.71055=v^2/(6.37x10^6+4,000,000) and then converted it to km/s. I got 3.84784035 km/s which was wrong. Am i doing something wrong?

I also have no idea how to do part 2 :(
 
Last edited:
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I got nearly twice that. Take time to solve it for v on paper before keying it in!
I don't see a part 2.
 
Did I use the correct equation? And sorry about that, I just labeled part 2!
 
physicsluv said:
Did I use the correct equation? And sorry about that, I just labeled part 2!

You've used a correct equation, but you didn't finish; you solved for v2, not v.
 

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