Determine total mechanical energy

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The total mechanical energy of a 400kg satellite in a circular orbit 1100km above Earth's surface can be calculated using gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy formulas. The gravitational potential energy is given by U = -(Gm1m2)/r, while kinetic energy is calculated using k = 1/2mv^2. To find the velocity of the satellite, one must equate centripetal force to gravitational force, assuming the mass of the Earth is significantly greater than that of the satellite.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with the concept of centripetal force
  • Knowledge of the gravitational constant (G) and its application
  • Basic principles of circular motion and orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive the velocity of an object in circular orbit using centripetal force
  • Study the implications of gravitational potential energy in orbital mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between angular velocity and linear velocity in circular motion
  • Investigate the effects of altitude on gravitational potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focused on mechanics and orbital dynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of energy calculations in satellite motion.

nickb145
Messages
68
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


What's the total mechanical energy of a 400kg satellite in circular orbit 1100km above Earth's surface?


Homework Equations



The Gravitational potential energy U=-(Gm1m2)/r

kinetic energy k=1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



At first i thought i could do just the gravitational potential energy, then figured out i was missing the kinetic energy. But one problem, i can't remember how to find the velocity

Would it have anything with angular velocity with it?

So i have the gravitational potential energy, just not the kinetic enegry...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Equate centripetal force to gravitational force.

Assume Earth mass >> satellite mass.
 

Similar threads

Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Does an Asteroid's Speed Change Upon Impact with Mars?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Calculating Mechanical Energy of a Launched Ball
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Energy of particle in simple harmonic motion
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Graphing Elastic Potential Energy
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Is potential energy defined only for internal conservative forces?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Test question: What is true for a mechanical impact?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
The Total Energy of the Hydrogen Atom's Electron
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Conservation of Energy with Gravitational Potential Energy
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K