Finding the minimum speed for putting an object in orbit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum speed required for an object to achieve various types of orbits around the Earth, specifically circular, elliptical, parabolic, and hyperbolic orbits. The key formulas presented include the gravitational force equation (Fg = GmM/r²) and the centripetal force equation (Fcp = mv²/r). For a circular orbit, the necessary speed is derived as v = √(GM/r). The vis-viva equation is highlighted as essential for understanding the dynamics of elliptical orbits, emphasizing the importance of the semi-major axis in determining orbit characteristics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and centripetal force equations
  • Familiarity with the vis-viva equation and its applications
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics concepts, including semi-major axis
  • Basic principles of conservation of energy in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the vis-viva equation and its implications for different types of orbits
  • Learn about the conservation of angular momentum in orbital mechanics
  • Explore the mathematical conditions for elliptical, parabolic, and hyperbolic orbits
  • Investigate the effects of initial velocity components on orbital trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in orbital mechanics and the dynamics of space travel will benefit from this discussion.

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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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