Energy difference between orbits?

In summary, to boost the space shuttle from a 100 km-high circular orbit to a 610 km-high circular orbit to reach the Hubble Space Telescope for repairs, it would require an energy of 9008811.2204000832584155214944 Joules. This can be calculated by finding the difference in gravitational potential energies between the two orbits.
  • #1
m84uily
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Homework Statement


The space shuttle is in a 100 km-high circular orbit. It needs to reach a 610 km-high circular orbit to catch the Hubble Space Telescope for repairs. The shuttle's mass is 6.50×104 kg.
How much energy is required to boost it to the new orbit?

Me(mass of earth) = 5.98E24 = 5980000000000000000000000
Re(radius of earth) = 6.37E6 = 6370000
G(gravitational constant) = 6.67E-11 = 0.0000000000667
hi = 100km = 100 000m
hf = 610km = 610 000m
m = 6.5E4 = 65000

Homework Equations


Ugi + Ki = Ugf + Kf
Ug = -Gm1m2/r
K = (1/2)m(v^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



Ugi + Ki = Ugf + Kf

Ugi + Ki = Ugf

Ugi - Ugf = -Ki

-Gm(Me) / (Re + hi) + Gm(Me)/(Re + hf) = -(1/2)m(vi^2)

GmMe = 25926290000000000000

Re + hi = 6470000

Re + hf = 6980000

- 4007154559505.4095826893353941267 + 3714368194842.4068767908309455587 = - (1/2)m(vi^2)

-292786364663.002705898504448568 = - (1/2)m(vi^2)

585572729326.005411797008897136 = m(vi^2)

9008811.2204000832584155214944 = (vi^2)

3001.4681774758304537554833575167

Ki = (1/2)(65000)(3001.4681774758304537554833575167)^2
 
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  • #2
Is it just the difference in gravitational potential energies?

|Ugi - Ugf| = 292786364663.002705898504448568 ?
 

1. What is the energy difference between orbits?

The energy difference between orbits refers to the difference in energy levels of an atom or molecule when an electron moves from one orbital to another. This energy difference is typically measured in units of electron volts (eV).

2. How is the energy difference between orbits calculated?

The energy difference between orbits can be calculated using the Rydberg formula, which takes into account the energy levels of the initial and final orbitals. This formula is commonly used in the study of atomic and molecular physics.

3. What factors affect the energy difference between orbits?

The energy difference between orbits is affected by several factors, including the charge of the nucleus, the distance between the nucleus and the electron, and the quantum numbers of the orbitals involved. Additionally, external influences such as electric or magnetic fields can also impact the energy difference.

4. How does the energy difference between orbits relate to the emission of light?

The energy difference between orbits is closely related to the emission of light. When an electron moves from a higher energy level to a lower one, it releases energy in the form of photons, which are particles of light. The energy of the emitted photons is equal to the energy difference between the two orbits.

5. Can the energy difference between orbits be observed experimentally?

Yes, the energy difference between orbits can be observed experimentally through various techniques such as spectroscopy. By measuring the frequency or wavelength of light emitted during electronic transitions, scientists can determine the energy difference between the orbits and gain valuable insights into the structure and behavior of atoms and molecules.

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