How Do Radius and Orbit Affect Satellite Dynamics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on how the radius of a satellite's orbit affects its period, kinetic energy, and speed. For a satellite in circular orbit, a larger radius results in a longer orbital period due to the increased distance it must travel. Kinetic energy is influenced by both mass and speed, which are related to the radius, as speed decreases with increasing radius. The speed of the satellite decreases as the radius increases, following the principles of centripetal acceleration and gravitational force. Algebraic methods, such as equating centripetal acceleration to gravitational force, can be used to derive these relationships.
Plutonium88
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For a satellite in circular orbit above earth, state how the following properties depend on radius?
a) period
b) kinetic energy
c) speed

This is the question i need help with folks... I've answered it using words so far (correct me if I'm wrong) but I'm wondering how i could go about this using algebra?


My answers:

a) it affects the period because the larger the radius of a planet, the longer it will take for another object to complete a full cycle. and vice versa.

b) .. not sure yet lol

c) ""


please help me out :(
 
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Way wrong so far. The radius they are talking about is radius of the orbit, not the radius of the planet. Leave that fixed. If you want to use algebra try equating the centripetal acceleration of the satellite to the gravitational force on the satellite. I.e. Newton law F=ma.
 
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