Linear Velocity Calculation in Low Earth Orbit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the linear velocity of a reflecting telescope deployed in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 600 km, with each orbit lasting approximately 95 minutes. Participants explore the application of the linear velocity formula and the necessary parameters for the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the formula \(v = r\omega\) where \(\omega\) is the angular velocity, calculated as \(\frac{2\pi}{95}\) radians per 95 minutes.
  • Others mention the need for the radius of the Earth, suggesting it is approximately 6,371 km, and discuss how to incorporate this into the calculations.
  • There is uncertainty about how to apply the formula correctly, with some participants expressing confusion over the variables involved.
  • One participant suggests that the final answer should be expressed in km/hr and discusses the conversion from the calculated value.
  • Another participant states they believe the answer should be around 28,000 km/hr but is unsure how to arrive at that figure.
  • Some participants note that the calculations may yield different results depending on the value used for the radius of the Earth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the parameters involved in the calculation but express differing views on the application of the formulas and the resulting values. There is no consensus on the correct final answer or the method to achieve it.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific values for the radius of the Earth and the orbital altitude, but there are unresolved questions about the assumptions made in the calculations and the exact definitions of the variables used.

dtippitt
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Can someone please check my work to this?
The reflecting telescope is deployed in low Earth orbit( 600km) with each orbit lasting about 95 min. use the linear velocity formula to solve the problem.

I did 300 * 95 min = 28500. Can someone check my work please? if someone could check it today hat would be great thanks.
 
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dtippitt said:
Can someone please check my work to this?
The reflecting telescope is deployed in low Earth orbit( 600km) with each orbit lasting about 95 min. use the linear velocity formula to solve the problem.

I did 300 * 95 min = 28500. Can someone check my work please? if someone could check it today hat would be great thanks.

I would use:

$$v=r\omega=\left(r_E+600\right)\frac{2\pi}{95}\,\frac{\text{km}}{\text{min}}$$

where \(r_E\) is the radius of the Earth in km. Are you given a value for this that you are to use?
 
MarkFL said:
I would use:

$$v=r\omega=\left(r_E+600\right)\frac{2\pi}{95}\,\frac{\text{km}}{\text{min}}$$

where \(r_E\) is the radius of the Earth in km. Are you given a value for this that you are to use?

the formula they gave me is v=r(radian symbol)/t
I think r stands for radius and t stands for time. I am not sure how to use this formula.
 
dtippitt said:
the formula they gave me is v=r(radian symbol)/t
I think r stands for radius and t stands for time. I am not sure how to use this formula.

Yes, that's the same formula I used. The angular velocity \(\omega\) is \(2\pi\) radians (one complete circle) per 95 minutes. The radius of the orbital path is 600 km more than the radius of the Earth.
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, that's the same formula I used. The angular velocity \(\omega\) is \(2\pi\) radians (one complete circle) per 95 minutes. The radius of the orbital path is 600 km more than the radius of the Earth.

The only 2 numbers they give are 600km and 95 min.
Here is the problem again.

The reflection telescope is deployed in low Earth orbit(600km) with each orbit lasting about 95 minutes. linear velocity is calculated by the formula

v= radius(radian symbol)/ time.
 
dtippitt said:
The only 2 numbers they give are 600km and 95 min.
Here is the problem again.

The reflection telescope is deployed in low Earth orbit(600km) with each orbit lasting about 95 minutes. linear velocity is calculated by the formula

v= radius(radian symbol)/ time.

According to google, the radius of the Earth is about 6,371 km. So, plug that into the formula I posted above...what do you get?
 
I think the right answer is 28000 but I don't know how to get that.
 
dtippitt said:
I think the right answer is 28000 but I don't know how to get that.

It appears you are to give the answer in km/hr, in which case you would multiply the result you get from the formula I gave by 60. Your not going to get 28000 km/hr exactly, unless you use a value for the radius of the Earth constructed to give you that value for the linear speed. Using the value I cited, I get about 27663 km/hr.
 

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