Energy to put space shuttle in orbit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the energy required to place the space shuttle into a 300 km orbit above Earth. The initial calculation using the gravitational potential energy formula resulted in 4.2 x 10^12 J, which differs from the expected 2.2 x 10^12 J. Participants highlight the need to consider both kinetic and potential energy changes during the shuttle's ascent. The total energy required for orbit is derived from the sum of the changes in kinetic and potential energy. Clarifications emphasize the importance of accounting for the shuttle's altitude when calculating the total energy needed for a stable orbit.
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Homework Statement


The space shuttle orbits about 300km above the surface of the Earth. The shape of the orbit is circular and the mass of the space shuttle is 6.8*104kg. The mass of the Earth is 6.0*1024kg and the radius of the Earth is 6.4 *106m. Calculate the energy needed to put the space shuttle into orbit.


Homework Equations



KE=GMm/rp

The Attempt at a Solution


Using G=6.67*10-11 with the mass of the Earth and shuttle and the radius of the Earth gives 4.2*1012J but the answer should be 2.2*1012J according to the book. Where am I going wrong?
 
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Think about what the gravitational potential energy GMm/r means.

The shuttle lifts (or rises) from re to re+300 km, where re is the radius of the earth.
 
oops!

Hi calculator20! :smile:
calculator20 said:
The space shuttle orbits about 300km above the surface of the Earth. The shape of the orbit is circular and the mass of the space shuttle is 6.8*104kg. The mass of the Earth is 6.0*1024kg and the radius of the Earth is 6.4 *106m. Calculate the energy needed to put the space shuttle into orbit.

KE=GMm/rp

erm :redface: … you can't just leave it there :rolleyes: … it'll crash! :eek:

try giving it a shove! :smile:
 
If I do GMm/re I get 4.2*10 to the 12, GMm/re + 300000 gives 4.06 * 10 to the 12. The difference between them isn't 2.2 *10 to the 12?
I get
 
i am having exactly the same difficulty, its frustrating the hell out of me.
either i am not seeing something or there is an error in the answer page
 
yesyesyes said:
i am having exactly the same difficulty, its frustrating the hell out of me.
either i am not seeing something or there is an error in the answer page

Welcome to PF.

They want the total energy.

What is total energy to move from the surface of Terra to a 300km height?

What must the object have to be in orbit?

Etotal = ΔKE + ΔPE
 
so basically 2.2= KE (4.2) - PE (2.1)
allowing for roundings
?

Thanks a lot x
 
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