Got a doosie here, Angular acceleration, time and radius.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an Earth satellite in circular orbit, focusing on determining the time for one complete rotation and the radial acceleration. The context is rooted in circular motion and gravitational forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between orbital speed and tangential speed, and the need for additional variables, such as the radius of the orbit or gravitational acceleration, to proceed with the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the definitions of rotation and questioning the necessary variables for solving the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the concept of one rotation, but no consensus or clear direction has emerged yet.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about whether to assume the radius of the Earth or the value of gravitational acceleration acting on the satellite, which may affect the calculations.

GRice40
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Homework Statement


An Earth satellite moves in a circular orbit with an orbital speed of 6200 m/s. Find the time of one rotation as well as the radial acceleration of the satellite in orbit.


Homework Equations


Ac= V^2/R
mAc=mg
V= 2(pi)R/t


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, I've gone every which way I can with this problem. I don't know how to go about it. I've drawn an FBD and the only forces I can see acting on it are the weight of the satellite and the Ac. I don't know if there is supposed to be another variable that is assumed, like the radius of the earth, or if gravity acts upon the satellite at 9.8 m/s^2 like it would on earth...I'm pretty lost here. Any advice on how to start?
 
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I believe the orbital speed is the tangential speed of the satellite.

What is one rotation? (quickly, go back to your unit circle!)
 
One rotation is 2(pi) radians, iirc.
 
I still don't know where to go from there, it seems like I need another variable somehow...
 

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