Energy difference between orbits?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy required for a space shuttle to transition from a 100 km orbit to a 610 km orbit. Using the gravitational potential energy formula, the initial and final gravitational potential energies were calculated, leading to the conclusion that the energy difference is approximately 292.79 billion joules. The relevant equations include the conservation of mechanical energy and gravitational potential energy equations. The mass of the Earth and the gravitational constant were also utilized in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with the conservation of mechanical energy principle
  • Knowledge of basic physics concepts related to orbits
  • Ability to perform calculations involving large numbers and scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of gravitational potential energy equations
  • Learn about orbital mechanics and the physics of satellite motion
  • Explore the implications of energy calculations in space missions
  • Investigate the role of the gravitational constant in various physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, aerospace engineers, and professionals involved in space mission planning and satellite operations will benefit from this discussion.

m84uily
Messages
31
Reaction score
0

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it just the difference in gravitational potential energies?

|Ugi - Ugf| = 292786364663.002705898504448568 ?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
12K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K