Distance of a satellite from earth

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the height of a satellite based on the time it takes for a microwave signal to be transmitted and received. The solution involves using the equation h=ct and the known speed of the signal (c=3x10^8) to determine the height of the satellite. The conversation also highlights the simplicity of the problem and the need for clearer thinking to solve it.
  • #1
skiing4free
20
0
Distance of a satellite from earth...

Homework Statement


A microwave signal is received from a satellite in orbit round earth, 68 ms after it was transmitted from the satellite. Calculate the height of the satellite?

This sounds like such a simple questions and i reckon it is except i always seem to get stumped... I first tried to figure out the angular velocity of the satellite but you don't know enough information to calculate that, then i kept going round in circles? What am i missing??
A poke in the right direction would be very appreciated...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


The problem is much simpler than you are thinking!

You know the Speed of the signal (c), and you know the time it took to get down to earth. What equation most simply relates speed and time with the variable you are looking for?
 
  • #3


According to my calculations it's indeterminate, but somewhere between 12.7 and 9.3 thousand miles away, to be determined by position in the sky.
 
  • #4


h=ct and c=3x10^8 so h=2.04x10^7m Thanks Gib Z
wow that was incredibly easy! jezz i really need think a bit more
 

FAQ: Distance of a satellite from earth

What is the distance of a satellite from Earth?

The distance of a satellite from Earth varies depending on its orbit. Some satellites are as close as a few hundred kilometers while others can be thousands of kilometers away.

How is the distance of a satellite from Earth measured?

The distance of a satellite from Earth is typically measured using a unit called "altitude" or "orbital height." This is the distance between the satellite and the Earth's surface at its closest point.

Why is the distance of a satellite from Earth important?

The distance of a satellite from Earth is important for various reasons. It affects the satellite's orbit and can impact the quality of communication, as well as the accuracy of data collected by the satellite.

Can the distance of a satellite from Earth change?

Yes, the distance of a satellite from Earth can change due to factors such as atmospheric drag, gravitational pull from other objects, and adjustments made by ground control.

What is the average distance of a satellite from Earth?

The average distance of a satellite from Earth is approximately 35,786 kilometers or 22,236 miles. This is known as geostationary orbit, where a satellite orbits at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, allowing it to maintain a fixed position above a specific location on Earth.

Similar threads

Doppler shift between a moving ship on the ocean and a satellite in LEO
Replies
14
Views
2K
Geosynchronous Satellites: Distance & Formula Analysis
Replies
4
Views
1K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
Replies
5
Views
2K
How Does Satellite Mass Impact Velocity Change for Circular Orbit Achievement?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Find the speed of a satellite at a distance R from Earth
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
Centripetal Acceleration of Satellite
Replies
7
Views
2K
Distance of geosynchronous satellite from earth
Replies
4
Views
2K
Speed of satellite orbiting around the Earth
Replies
7
Views
2K
Change in momentum for a satellite in circular orbit
Replies
6
Views
3K
Calculating Time Differences in GPS Signals: A Relativistic Approach
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top