Finding Speed of Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lance WIlliam
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, focusing on the relevant equations and unit consistency in the context of orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the equation for orbital period to find the radius and subsequently the speed using distance over time. Questions arise regarding unit consistency and the correctness of the derived expression for radius.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's approach, offering suggestions for checking unit consistency and questioning the mathematical manipulation of the radius expression. Some participants propose alternative methods, such as using angular velocity, indicating a productive exploration of different perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring that all values used in calculations are consistent in terms of units (meters, kilograms, seconds), which is crucial for the problem at hand.

Lance WIlliam
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Homework Statement


Find the speed of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit?

in finding the speed for geosnychronous orbit the Time is 1 day, or 24hours , 86400 seconds.
I tried using
T^2=4(pi)^2(r)^3/GM is the eqn.
I manipluated it into:

r=(GM_earth_T/4(pi)^2)1/3

Once I found r I used it as Distance and then used:
V=D/T
...

i think my units are wrong. When using the eqn. does ur distance come out in meters or Kilometers?
 
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It would help if one would right out the values for G, M, T.

They should all be consistent in m, kg, s (meter, kilogram, second).
 
But is my process right?
Once I find 'r" do I use v=d/t to find the speed?
 
I disagree with you expression for the radius, In my opinion you are missing a set of brackets or have made a mistake in your powers. Then as Astronuc said, to check the units simply substitute in their values to check the units cancel down.

Have you considered using angular velocity to solve for the speed?
 

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