Distance of a satellite from earth

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the height of a satellite based on the time it takes for a microwave signal to travel from the satellite to Earth. The subject area involves concepts of speed, time, and distance in the context of satellite communication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate angular velocity to the problem but feels uncertain about the necessary information. Some participants suggest focusing on the known speed of the signal and the time taken for the signal to reach Earth, prompting a reconsideration of the approach.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem. One participant offers a straightforward equation relating speed and time, which seems to guide the discussion towards a more productive direction. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final answer, as calculations vary among participants.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion and seeks clarification, indicating a potential gap in understanding the relationship between the variables involved. There is also mention of varying distance estimates based on satellite position, suggesting that additional factors may influence the calculations.

skiing4free
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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...
 
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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?
 


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.
 


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
 

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