Minimum change in velocity Helpppp?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the minimum change in velocity (∆V) needed for the Space Shuttle to lower its altitude to 60 miles from an orbit with an apogee of 236 miles and a perigee of 215 miles, the rule of thumb states that a 2 fps change in velocity results in a 1-mile altitude change below 500 miles. Therefore, to decrease the altitude by 176 miles (from 236 to 60 miles), the required change in velocity would be 352 fps. Users are encouraged to share their attempts and specific challenges to receive targeted assistance. The discussion emphasizes collaborative problem-solving in physics. Engaging with the community can lead to a clearer understanding of the calculations involved.
wahoowa2012
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Minimum change in velocity! Helpppp?

Homework Statement


Calculate the minimum change in velocity (delta V or ∆V) required for the Space Shuttle to decrease its altitude to 60 miles if it’s orbiting with an apogee of 236 miles and a perigee of 215 miles above the surface of Earth.

Use the rule of thumb that below an altitude of 500 miles, for every 2 feet per second (fps) change in the orbiting space craft’s velocity its altitude will change by 1 mile.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi wahoowa2012! welcome to pf! :wink:

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top