How Do You Solve Challenging Polar Coordinate Problems?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving challenging polar coordinate problems, specifically involving satellite motion and gravitational forces. The key problems include estimating the period of a satellite orbiting Earth at 9000 km from the center, converting polar equations into Cartesian coordinates, and calculating the mass of the Sun based on Earth's orbital characteristics. Participants emphasize the importance of applying gravitational formulas and centripetal acceleration to solve these physics-related problems effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar and Cartesian coordinate systems
  • Knowledge of gravitational force equations, specifically F=ma and the inverse square law
  • Familiarity with centripetal acceleration concepts
  • Basic principles of orbital mechanics and Kepler's laws
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the period of a satellite using gravitational force and centripetal acceleration
  • Learn how to convert polar equations to Cartesian coordinates, focusing on ellipses
  • Research the calculation of celestial masses using orbital data, particularly for the Sun
  • Explore the applications of Kepler's laws in satellite motion and planetary orbits
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics and mathematics, educators teaching coordinate systems and orbital mechanics, and anyone interested in solving real-world problems involving gravitational forces and satellite motion.

imsoconfused
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HELP! I just got this assignment over the email a couple hours ago and it's due in the morning and I have no clue how to do these problems! I've spent a few hours trying to figure this stuff out on my own, but I'm down to these last few and I just can't do it. if you can answer one or more, I really appreciate anything AT ALL. I'm sorry I don't have much done already, but I've got a brain block and I'm starting to panic. please help!


2. If a satellite circles the Earth at 9000 km from the center, estimate its period T in seconds.

3. Convert 1/r = C - Dcos(theta) or 1= Cr-Dx into the xy equation of an ellipse.

5. The Earth takes 365.25 days to go around the sun at at distance d = 93 million miles = 150 million km. find the mass of the sun.
F=ma=constant/r^2.
 
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imsoconfused said:
2. If a satellite circles the Earth at 9000 km from the center, estimate its period T in seconds.

Hi imsoconfused! :smile:

2. Either compare t with the period of the moon (erm … that's one month! :wink:) …*that only works if you know how far away the moon is, of course.

Or work out the gravitational force on it, by comparing it with g at the Earth's surface … that only works if you know the radius of the Earth … and then use centripetal acceleration :smile:
 
imsoconfused said:
HELP! I just got this assignment over the email a couple hours ago and it's due in the morning and I have no clue how to do these problems! I've spent a few hours trying to figure this stuff out on my own, but I'm down to these last few and I just can't do it. if you can answer one or more, I really appreciate anything AT ALL. I'm sorry I don't have much done already, but I've got a brain block and I'm starting to panic. please help!


2. If a satellite circles the Earth at 9000 km from the center, estimate its period T in seconds.

3. Convert 1/r = C - Dcos(theta) or 1= Cr-Dx into the xy equation of an ellipse.
Multiply through by r first. r= \sqrt{x^2+ y^2} and r cos(theta)= x. You may need to square both sides of an equation to get rid of the square root and get the (standard)equation of an ellipse.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> 5. The Earth takes 365.25 days to go around the sun at at distance d = 93 million miles = 150 million km. find the mass of the sun.<br /> F=ma=constant/r^2. </div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Problems 2 and 5 are not mathematics problems. They are physics problems and I would be surprised if your book does not have formulas that apply directly.
 

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