Finding the orbital height of a satellite

AI Thread Summary
To find the orbital height of a satellite given a specific gravitational force of 5.7 m/s², the equation g = Gm/(r+h)² is used, where G is the gravitational constant, m is the Earth's mass, r is the Earth's radius, and h is the orbital height. The known values for G, m, and r allow for algebraic manipulation of the equation to isolate h. A suggestion is made to simplify the equation by letting (r+h)² equal A and then taking the square root of both sides to solve for h. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly rearranging the equation to find the desired height. Understanding these steps is crucial for accurately determining the satellite's orbital height.
centripitacal
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Homework Statement


I have to find the orbital height of a satellite with a specific g force (ie. the acceleration due to gravity). g=5.7(ms)2


Homework Equations



So far I have been using the equation g=Gm/(r+h)2 to find the acceleration due to gravity, where G= gravitational constant, m=mass of the Earth ,r=radius of the Earth and h= the orbital height from the Earth

except now I am given a specific g force and have been asked to find the height.


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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centripitacal said:

Homework Equations



So far I have been using the equation g=Gm/(r+h)2 to find the acceleration due to gravity, where G= gravitational constant, m=mass of the Earth ,r=radius of the Earth and h= the orbital height from the Earth

except now I am given a specific g force and have been asked to find the height.


The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure what is puzzling you.

g=GM/(r+h)2 and they give you g=5.7 m/s2

∴5.7=GM/(R+h)2

G,M and R are all known, cross multiply and then do some algebra to get 'h'.
 
Cheers,
bit slow on the uptake today, but that was all I wanted to know.
 
Back again, moving the equation around dosn't help because the h is inside the brackets, along with the Earth's radius (r+h). What am I missing?
 
centripitacal said:
Back again, moving the equation around dosn't help because the h is inside the brackets, along with the Earth's radius (r+h). What am I missing?

When you reach (R+h)2=A, take the square root of both sides.
 
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