Gravitation and velocity problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to gravitation and velocity, specifically involving energy conservation equations in the context of an object falling towards Earth. Participants are examining the relationships between kinetic energy, potential energy, and additional energy terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations related to energy conservation, including the use of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. There are attempts to clarify the correct application of these equations, particularly in the context of circular orbits versus falling objects.

Discussion Status

The discussion has evolved with participants sharing their attempts and results. Some have noted discrepancies between their answers and the given solution, prompting questions about unit consistency and the correct interpretation of the equations. A few participants have successfully derived answers close to the expected result, indicating productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of specific values and units that need careful consideration, such as distinguishing between altitude and radial distance. Additionally, the problem includes a heat energy term, which some participants are trying to incorporate into their calculations.

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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
 
Last edited:
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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.
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Last edited:
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
 
Last edited:
  • #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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