Low altitude satellites orbiting around planet with twice radius

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital period of a low altitude satellite around two planets made of identical material, with one planet having twice the radius of the other. The shortest orbital period for the smaller planet is given as 40 minutes, and participants explore how to derive the period for the larger planet. Key considerations include the effects of increased radius and mass on orbital dynamics, with the larger planet's volume being eight times that of the smaller one. The relationship between mass, radius, and orbital period is emphasized, suggesting that the period will change based on these factors. Ultimately, the calculations and principles of gravitational dynamics are central to determining the new orbital period.
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Homework Statement


Two remote planets consist of identical material, but one has a radius twice as large as the other. IF the shortest possible period for a low altitude satellite orbiting the smaller planet is 40 minutes, what is the shortest possible period for a similar low altitude satellite orbiting the larger one? Answer in minutes.


Homework Equations


volume of sphere=4/3 ∏r3
speed=distance/time
Ek=-1/2 Eg


The Attempt at a Solution


rB=2rA

timeA=2∏r/VA
40=2∏r/VA

Don't really know how to move on from here? I know I have to find the time taken for the satellite to orbit planet B.

TB=2∏(2rA)/VB

I don't know VB, how would I find that?
 

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totallyclone said:

Homework Statement


Two remote planets consist of identical material, but one has a radius twice as large as the other. IF the shortest possible period for a low altitude satellite orbiting the smaller planet is 40 minutes, what is the shortest possible period for a similar low altitude satellite orbiting the larger one? Answer in minutes.


Homework Equations


volume of sphere=4/3 ∏r3
speed=distance/time
Ek=-1/2 Eg


The Attempt at a Solution


rB=2rA

timeA=2∏r/VA
40=2∏r/VA

Don't really know how to move on from here? I know I have to find the time taken for the satellite to orbit planet B.

TB=2∏(2rA)/VB

I don't know VB, how would I find that?

The larger planet will have a much larger mass [same material presumably means same density]

Radius of orbit around the larger planet is larger [just a little larger than the planet itself]

I would be looking at the effect of doubling the radius of orbit of the satellite around the smaller planet, then the effect of having a larger mass attracting the satellite.
 
PeterO said:
The larger planet will have a much larger mass [same material presumably means same density]

Radius of orbit around the larger planet is larger [just a little larger than the planet itself]

I would be looking at the effect of doubling the radius of orbit of the satellite around the smaller planet, then the effect of having a larger mass attracting the satellite.

So I doubled the radius. I didn't notice their densities would be the same since they're made of the same material. Anyways:

EKA=-1/2 EGA
1/2 mvA2=-1/2(-GmMA/rA)
vA2=GMA/rA

and

EKB=-1/2 EGB
1/2 mvB2=-1/2(-GmMB/2rA)
vB2=GMB/2rA
 
Last edited:
totallyclone said:
So I doubled the radius. I didn't notice their densities would be the same since they're made of the same material. Anyways:

EKA=-1/2 EGA
1/2 mvA2=-1/2(-GmMA/rA)
vA2=GMA/rA

and

EKB=-1/2 EGB
1/2 mvB2=-1/2(-GmMB/2rA)
vB2=GMB/2rA

I was looking for an answer like: If you double the radius (while retaining the planet mass), you double/halve/quadruple/quarter the period.

You would then look at: When you double/treble/quadruple/etc the mass of the planet (independent of the radius), you (some change) the Period.

You then combine those effects:

eg if one change means halving, and the other means increasing by a factor of 12; then net result is an increase by a factor of 6.
 
Volume of B=4/3 ∏r3
=4/3∏(2rA)3
=4/3∏(8rA3)
=8(4/3∏rA3)
=8 volume of A

So, planet B's volume is 8 times of A's...
 
totallyclone said:
So I doubled the radius. I didn't notice their densities would be the same since they're made of the same material. Anyways:

EKA=-1/2 EGA
1/2 mvA2=-1/2(-GmMA/rA)
vA2=GMA/rA

and

EKB=-1/2 EGB
1/2 mvB2=-1/2(-GmMB/2rA)
vB2=GMB/2rA

I would be addressing the expression a = 4π2.R / T2
one of the more useful expressions relating to the acceleration of a body moving in a circle.
 
totallyclone said:
Volume of B=4/3 ∏r3
=4/3∏(2rA)3
=4/3∏(8rA3)
=8(4/3∏rA3)
=8 volume of A

So, planet B's volume is 8 times of A's...

Given they are made of the same material (imagine if you were using two steel balls to model the situation) what effect would that have on the mass.
 
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