Finding the minimum speed for putting an object in orbit

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To determine the minimum speed for an object to achieve various orbital paths around Earth, the centripetal force must balance the gravitational force, leading to the formula v = √(GM/r) for a circular orbit. For elliptical, parabolic, and hyperbolic orbits, the mathematical conditions are less clear, and the vis-viva equation is essential for understanding these trajectories. When launching from Earth's surface to enter a circular orbit, both vertical and horizontal velocity components must be considered, with the horizontal component being v_x = √(GM/r). The discussion highlights the importance of conservation of angular momentum, which is critical in analyzing orbital mechanics. Understanding these principles is key to solving the posed problems effectively.
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yet another doubt about gravitation. we must affirm that it's also not a homework question, so, we won't need any number, only the formulas.

Homework Statement


1) suppose that an object is located in a distance r from the center of the Earth (not necessary to say that r is larger than the Earth's radius). we want to know the formula of the speed necessary (launching it horizontally) for that object to describe (A) a circular orbit of radius r.
we additionally want to know how to make this object describe (B) an elliptical, (C) a parabolic and a (D) hyperbolic orbit.
2) we would also like to know how to calculate the speed necessary to launch an object from the surface of the Earth, so it can enter in a circular orbit of radius r (bigger than the radius of the Earth).

Homework Equations


gravitational force:
Fg = GmM/r², where G is the gravitational constant, m is the mass of the object, M is the mass of the Earth and r is the distance between the center of the Earth and the center of the object (in this case, the distance r mentioned above).
centripetal force:
Fcp = mv²/r (where v is the speed of the object).
conservation of energy
\frac{mv^{2}_{0}}{2}-\frac{GmM}{R} = \frac{mv^{2}_{1}}{2}-\frac{GmM}{r}, where R is the radius of the Earth and r is the distance we mentioned above.

The Attempt at a Solution


1) (A) for the object to describe a circular orbit, its centripetal force has to balance with the gravitational force:
Fcp = Fg
mv²/r = GmM/r²
v²/r = GM/r²
v² = GM/r
v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}
for B, C and D, we have no clue, because we don't know the mathematical condition to obtain those orbits.
NOTE: does v have to be horizontal? why wouldn't an object thrown with vertical v = v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}} also respect that Fcp = Fg?
2) we don't have much idea where to start, but we think that this velocity will have a vertical component and a horizontal component which is v_x = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}.
the vertical velocity would be v0y: \frac{mv^{2}_{0y}}{2}-\frac{GmM}{R} = \frac{mv^{2}_{1y}}{2}-\frac{GmM}{r}.
in this case, we think that v1y would have to be zero.

thank you advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In your analysis above, conservation of angular momentum is notably absent. You will find answers to your doubts in the vis-viva equation. Study it, especially the role of the semi-major axis ##a## in determining the nature of the orbit.
 
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