How Do You Calculate Orbital Speed Using Kepler's Laws?

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SUMMARY

To calculate orbital speed using Kepler's laws, specifically Kepler's third law, one must first determine the semimajor axis of the orbit based on the known orbital period. Once the semimajor axis is established, the total energy of the orbit can be calculated using the formula that incorporates the semimajor axis and the masses involved. Finally, equate this energy to the kinetic and potential energy equation, 1/2 m v^2 - G m M /r, to solve for the orbital speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's laws, particularly Kepler's third law
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics and energy equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational constants and their application in physics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Kepler's third law in detail to understand its application in various orbital scenarios
  • Learn how to calculate the semimajor axis from the orbital period
  • Explore the derivation and application of the total energy formula in orbital mechanics
  • Practice solving problems involving kinetic and potential energy in gravitational fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and orbital dynamics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of Kepler's laws and orbital calculations.

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Homework Statement



http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2716/question11mediumjj8.jpg

This was an extra question for final exam some years ago, i hope that some one can direct me to obtain the right answer. I could not good find equations that I learn to answer this
 
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Navigate: Mechanics -> Orbits -> Kepler's laws. Then scroll down for more info on the subject on the page that you land on.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html"

Note that Kepler's third law is also applicable to the circular orbit of the space station.
 
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vle1 said:

Homework Statement



http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2716/question11mediumjj8.jpg

This was an extra question for final exam some years ago, i hope that some one can direct me to obtain the right answer. I could not good find equations that I learn to answer this


You know the period you want.

Use Kepler's third law to find the semimajor axis of the orbit you need.

Once you know the semimajor axis, you know the total energy you will have at any point of your orbit (there is a simple formula giving the total energy at any point of an orbit in terms of the semimajor axis and the masses).

Now set that energy equal to [itex]1/2 m v^2 - G m M /r[/itex] where r is the initial distance from the center of the Earth. That will give you the speed you need.
 
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