How Far is the Satellite from Earth?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Feodalherren
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Orbit Satelite
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the radius of a satellite's orbit based on the gravitational force it experiences. The subject area includes gravitational physics and orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between gravitational force and orbital radius using the equation for gravitational attraction. Questions arise regarding the values used for the gravitational constant and the units of measurement.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting various calculations and questioning the accuracy of their results. Some have provided alternative approaches and values for constants, while others express uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted emphasis on using consistent units, with some participants suggesting the conversion of kilometers to meters. The original poster's calculations have led to differing results, prompting further exploration of potential errors in the setup or execution of the equations.

Feodalherren
Messages
604
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


A 320kg satellite experiences a gravitational force 800N. What is the radius of the satellite's orbit?


Homework Equations


G m1m2 / d^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I started with

800N = (G(320kg)(5.98(10^24)kg) / d^2

After some algebra and rounding I ended up with d = 40,000 km. Is that reasonable?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
when I put 40,000 km into the original equation and solve for the force I get around 79.77N

what value did you use for G?
 
I think the standard for any calculations in classical mechanics is kg and meters. So perhaps if you try 40,000,000m.

I used 6.67 x 10 ^-11 for G.
 
Shameless bump. Still need help.
 
I kept trying again and again but I am getting 12k kilometers

[itex]d = \sqrt{\frac{GMm}{F}}[/itex]

yes?

so [itex]d = \sqrt{\frac{(6.67*10^{-11}N*(\frac{m^{2}}{kg^{2}}))(5.98*10^{24}kg)(320kg)}{800 N}} = 1.26*10^{7} m[/itex]

maybe you can point out where our calculations differ? I might be doing something hilariously incorrect.
 
No, you're right. I re-did the calculation again and paid proper attention to parenthesis this time. I'm just not calculator savvy at all.
 

Similar threads

When do I include the Earth's radius in questions involving satellites?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
How much work is done when a satellite is launched into orbit?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Change in momentum for a satellite in circular orbit
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Energy involving satellite of the Earth
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
What are the factors affecting geostationary satellite orbits?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What is the Correct Radius and Mass of Earth for Satellite Orbit Calculations?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Energy for Satellite Orbit at 300km | Physics Homework Help
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
4K
Finding the radius of the satellite's circular orbit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Gravitation and Gravitational Fields
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K