Gravitation and velocity problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a gravitation and velocity homework problem where the initial calculation yielded an incorrect velocity of 5.35x10^6 m/s, while the correct answer is 2100 m/s. Participants emphasize the importance of unit consistency and proper application of energy conservation equations, particularly distinguishing between circular orbits and falling objects. After reviewing the equations, the correct approach involves using ΔEk + Q = -GMm(1/r1 - 1/r2) with appropriate values for r1 and r2. Ultimately, the correct solution is achieved with a final calculated velocity of approximately 2100 m/s, acknowledging potential rounding errors in the process.
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Homework Statement


object.jpg


Homework Equations


2ΔEk=-ΔEp


The Attempt at a Solution



-Gm1m2(1/r1-1/r2)-Q=mv2

plug in given values solve for v.

my answer is 5.35x106m/s
given answer is 2100m/s
 
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canicon25 said:

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Any ideas?
 
canicon25 said:
my answer is 5.35x106m/s
given answer is 2100m/s
Watch your units, be careful to distinguish between altitude and radial distance, and most important of all, show your work. There's no way to tell you where you went wrong if you don't show your work.

BTW, the given answer is correct.
 
its 400000m not 400m
 
1600v2=-G(1600)(5.98E24)/(6.38E6+400000) - (-G)(1600)(5.98E24)/ (6.38E6+100000) - 8.3E8

v=1407 m/s

still not getting the correct solution.
 
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Showing your work does not mean spewing out an equation without units and without justification. What are the relevant equations?
 
i am stumped. i tried using

ΔEk+Q=-(0.5)ΔEp

where Ek= 0.5mv2

and Ep= -GMm/r

Q is heat energy. Given in problem.
 
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why do you have a 0.5 in the energy conservation equation?
 
upon further reading i found that

ΔEk+Q=-0.5ΔEP for CIRCULAR ORBITS ONLY

am i correct in assuming that

ΔEk+Q=ΔEp would apply for a object falling to Earth
 
  • #10
so i tried it and did get correct answer

0.5mv2+Q=-GMm(1/r1-1/r2)

r1=radius Earth + 400000km
r2=radius Earth + 100000km

when i solve for v i get 2133 m/s
 
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  • #11
canicon25 said:
so i tried it and did get correct answer

0.5mv2+Q=-GMm(1/r1-1/r2)

r1=radius Earth + 400000km
r2=radius Earth + 100000km

when i solve for v i get 2133 m/s

I got 2096 m/s ≈ 2100 m/s
 
  • #12
canicon25 said:
so i tried it and did get correct answer

0.5mv2+Q=-GMm(1/r1-1/r2)

r1=radius Earth + 400000km
r2=radius Earth + 100000km

when i solve for v i get 2133 m/s

I think you've done it right, but there might be some rounding error, which means your answer isn't exactly the same as the given answer. good job!
 
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