Distance of a satellite from earth

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To calculate the height of a satellite from Earth based on a microwave signal received 68 ms after transmission, one can use the relationship between speed, time, and distance. The speed of light is approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s, leading to a calculated height of about 20.4 million meters, or roughly 12.7 to 9.3 thousand miles, depending on the satellite's position. The initial confusion stemmed from overcomplicating the problem, as the solution is straightforward once the correct equation is applied. This highlights the importance of focusing on fundamental principles in physics. The discussion emphasizes that sometimes problems may seem complex but can be resolved with basic calculations.
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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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