How Is Gravitational Force Calculated for a Satellite Near Earth?

AI Thread Summary
The gravitational force on a 442 kg satellite at a distance of 1.87 Earth radii is calculated using Newton's law of universal gravitation, yielding a force of approximately 1.24 billion newtons. The gravitational force exerted by the satellite on Earth is equal in magnitude to this force. The satellite's acceleration is determined to be about 280,222 m/s², while the Earth's acceleration due to the satellite's presence is calculated as approximately 2.07 x 10^-17 m/s². A question arises regarding the units for the radius of the Earth used in the calculations. Clarification on the radius value is sought to resolve potential errors in the calculations.
pookisantoki
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1.Calculate the magnitude of the graviational force exerted on 442kg satellite that is a distance of 1.87 times Earth radii from the center of the earth
Mass=442kg

For this I used the Newton's law of universal graviation formula: F=(g*m1*m2)/r^2
((6.67*10^-11)(442)(5.98*10^24))/(Radius of the earth(6.38*10^3) * 1.87=11930.6)^2
=1238581865N

a.) What is the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted on the Earth by the satellite?
I would think it's the same answer as number 1.

b.) Determine the magnitude of the satellite's acceleration
1238581865=Mass*acceleration
123858186=442*a
a=280222.1403

c.)What is the magnitude of the Earth's acceleration
123858186=(5.98*10^24)*a
a=2.0712 *10^-17

but it's wrong what am I doing wrong?
Thank you~!
 
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pookisantoki said:
...Radius of the earth(6.38*10^3)...
What are the units in that value?
 
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