Is the Time of Orbit for a Satellite Above Mars Really 800 Million Years?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital period of a satellite above Mars, using the provided equation relating radius and time of orbit. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculated time of orbit, initially arriving at an implausibly large value before correcting it to a more reasonable duration.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the equation R^3/T^2 = 1x10^13 m^3 s^(-2) to find the orbital period. They question the validity of their calculations and the resulting time of orbit. Other participants engage by verifying the calculations and suggesting potential errors in the original poster's math.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the calculations, with one confirming the corrected value of the orbital period. There is acknowledgment of a previous mistake, and the conversation appears to be moving towards clarification of the mathematical process involved.

Contextual Notes

The problem is constrained by the specific parameters given, including the radius of Mars and the gravitational constant used in the equation. The original poster's confusion about the time of orbit suggests a need for further exploration of the assumptions behind the calculations.

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Homework Statement


We have been asked to work out the approximate time of orbit, T, of a satellite orbiting above the centre of Mars, radius 4000km.

Homework Equations


We have been given the equation:

R^3/T^2 =1x〖10〗^13 m^3 s^(-2)

The Attempt at a Solution


When using the equation:

T=√((4x〖10〗^6 )^3/〖1x10〗^13 )

I get an answer of 2.53 x 10^16 seconds and I don't understand how something that seems to be accelerating so fast turns out to be taking 800 million years to orbit mars. Is my math just totally wrong?

EDIT: That maths was wrong I'm pretty sure, I now have an answer of 2529.8 seconds which is pretty fast for an orbit of Mars but 1x10^13 m^3 s^-2 is a hell of an acceleration.
 
Last edited:
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Hi Xanthippus! :smile:
Xanthippus said:
EDIT: That maths was wrong I'm pretty sure, I now have an answer of 2529.8 seconds …

I think you're √10 out :wink:
 
I don't see where...

T=√((〖4x10〗^6 )^3/〖1x10〗^13 )

T=√(〖64x10〗^18/〖1x10〗^13 )

T=√(〖64x10〗^5 )

T=2529.8s
 
oops!

sorry, you're right! :redface:
 

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