Orbit, and Centrifuge questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter iHate Physics
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Centrifuge Orbit
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to geosynchronous orbits and the acceleration experienced by astronauts in a centrifuge. The original poster presents questions about the period of a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit, the value of gravitational acceleration at that altitude, and the apparent weight of a satellite. Additionally, there is a question regarding the acceleration experienced by an astronaut in a centrifuge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the concept of geosynchronous orbits and the relationship between orbital period and the Earth's rotation. There are attempts to clarify the definition of period and the formula for gravitational acceleration. Questions are raised about calculating gravitational acceleration at a specific altitude and the apparent weight of a satellite. In the centrifuge scenario, there are inquiries about how to determine the acceleration in terms of g's.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and guidance on relevant formulas and concepts. Some participants are exploring the implications of the altitude on gravitational acceleration and the calculations involved in determining the apparent weight of the satellite. There is a mix of attempts to clarify misunderstandings and to guide the original poster through the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has limited experience with these types of problems, which may influence the depth of the discussion. There is also a mention of the importance of understanding the relationship between the satellite's orbit and the Earth's rotation.

iHate Physics
Messages
23
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Communications satellites are placed in a circular orbit where they stay directly over a fixed point on the equator as the Earth rotates. These are called geosynchronous orbits. The altitude of a geosynchronous orbit is 3.58 x10^7 m

a)What is the period of a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?
b)Find the value of g at this altitude.
c)What is the apparent weight of a 2000 kg satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?

Homework Equations


No Clue, I have never done this type of question.


The Attempt at a Solution


I was hoping someone could either guide me through this question or provide me with an example i could learn off.

Homework Statement


Astronauts use a centrifuge to simulate the acceleration of a rocket launch. The centrifuge takes 40.0 s to speed up from rest to its top speed of 1 rotation every 1.40 s. The astronaut is strapped into a seat 6.80 m from the axis.

b)How many g's of acceleration does the astronaut experience when the device is rotating at top speed? Each 9.80 m/s^2 of acceleration is 1 g.


Homework Equations


not sure.. once again I've never done this type of question.


The Attempt at a Solution


Well for his tangential acceleration i got 0.763m/s^2 but from that I don't know how to get the g's of acceleration.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
iHate Physics said:

Homework Statement


Communications satellites are placed in a circular orbit where they stay directly over a fixed point on the equator as the Earth rotates. These are called geosynchronous orbits. The altitude of a geosynchronous orbit is 3.58 x10^7 m

a)What is the period of a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?
b)Find the value of g at this altitude.
c)What is the apparent weight of a 2000 kg satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?
If the satellite stays over the same point on the earth, how many times does it orbit the Earth in 24 hours?
 
um it doesn't orbit earth.. whoops i mean 1. k but what about finding g?
 
Last edited:
And the "period" is the time it takes to complete one orbit! What is the period?

The general formula for the force of gravity between to masses is GmM/r^2, here m is the mass of the satellite and M is the mass of the earth.
Since F= mg, g =[/itex]GM/r^2[/itex]. You need to know: G, the mass of the earth, and the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite- that is the given altitude of the satellite plus the radius of the earth.

You know, people on this forum, at least those likely to give you good hints, really love physics. Has it occurred to you that calling yourself "iHate Physics" doesn't really encourage them to help you?
 
really? i didn't think a name like that would be pretty serious around here. Sorry, if i offended you.
 
for the apparent weight i used the formula wapp = mg(1+ay/g) g would be 0.223 but what would ay be?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K