Deriving formula for surface velocity of a satellite in orbit.

In summary, the conversation revolves around deriving an equation for the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit around a planet. The equation is given as (2pi/T) - (v/r), where v/r represents the angular velocity of the satellite and 2pi/T represents the angular velocity of the planet. The conversation also discusses the use of different variables and formulas to find the surface speed. Ultimately, the final equation is derived as (2pi/T) - (1/r)sqrt(GM/r), where Δω represents the difference in angular velocities between the planet and satellite.
  • #1
spiruel
8
0
I may be being stupid here... But I'm trying to derive such an equation to no avail.

Maybe such a formula requires more than one variable - but I would like to easily display this graphically.
To start out the derivation I stated that the Surface Velocity = (2pi/T)-(v/r) where v/r=angular velocity of satellite in orbit and 2pi/T=angular velocity of a planet.

Can anyone help?
 
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  • #2
Think I got it (in terms of time, not velocity):

2pi*sqrt((radius of planet+orbital altitude)^(3)/(GM))-rotationalperiodofplanet
 
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  • #3
You can work out the angular velocities separately to begin with. You stated the one for the planet as ##2\pi/T##. Call that ##\omega_p##, and make sure that T is the sidereal period for the planet. For the satellite you again made a true statement, namely that the angular velocity is given by ##\omega_s = v/r##, with r the radius of the orbit and v the orbital speed.

Assuming a circular orbit the orbital speed will be ##v = \sqrt{GM/r}##, where M is the mass of the planet.

Assuming that the satellite's orbit is in the plane of the equator, the difference in angular velocities is then:
$$\omega_p - \omega_s = \Delta \omega = \frac{2\pi}{T} - \frac{1}{r}\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}$$
You can move the 1/r into the square root if you want.

With Δω in hand you can work out the surface speed of the sub-satellite point easily enough.
 

What factors affect the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit?

The surface velocity of a satellite in orbit is affected by the mass and size of the satellite, the altitude of the orbit, and the gravitational pull of the planet it is orbiting.

How is the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit calculated?

The surface velocity of a satellite in orbit can be calculated using the formula: v = √(G * M / r), where v is the surface velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and r is the distance between the center of the planet and the satellite.

What is the significance of the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit?

The surface velocity of a satellite in orbit determines the speed at which it travels around the planet and is crucial for maintaining a stable orbit. It also affects the time it takes for the satellite to complete one orbit around the planet.

How does the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit compare to the speed of an object on the Earth's surface?

The surface velocity of a satellite in orbit is significantly faster than the speed of an object on the Earth's surface. This is because the satellite is constantly falling towards the planet due to gravity, but its horizontal velocity keeps it from crashing into the planet.

Can the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit be changed?

Yes, the surface velocity of a satellite in orbit can be changed by altering the altitude of its orbit or using thrusters to change its speed and direction. However, any changes made must be carefully calculated to ensure the satellite remains in a stable orbit.

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