Calculating Orbital Speed and Period for a Satellite in Circular Orbit

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the orbital speed, period of revolution, and gravitational force acting on a satellite in a circular orbit around the Earth. The equations used are v^2 = GM/r, T = (2pie) r/v, and F = GmM/r^2. The mass of the satellite is not a factor in determining the orbital speed, as it cancels out in the equation. The rest of the solution appears to be correct.
  • #1
mizzy
217
0

Homework Statement


A satellite of mass 600kg is in a circular orbit about the Earth at a height above the Earth equal to the Earth's mean radius. Find:
a) the satellite's orbital speed
b) the period of its revolution
c) graviational force acting on it


Homework Equations


a) v^2 = GM/r

b) T = (2pie) r/ v

c) F = GmM/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


for part a, is the satellites orbital speed dependent on the mass of the earth? Do I use mass of earth? or the satellite?
 
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  • #2
mizzy said:

The Attempt at a Solution


for part a, is the satellites orbital speed dependent on the mass of the earth? Do I use mass of earth? or the satellite?

Part a) you are equating the centripetal force on the satellite, so the mass of the satellite cancels out. The rest look correct.
 
  • #3
ok. thanks.
 

What is orbital speed and how is it calculated?

Orbital speed is the speed at which an object travels around another object in space, such as a planet orbiting a star. It is calculated using the formula v = √(GM/r), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the larger object, and r is the distance between the two objects.

Does orbital speed vary for different objects in space?

Yes, orbital speed can vary depending on the mass and distance of the two objects. For example, the orbital speed of a satellite orbiting Earth will be different from the orbital speed of a moon orbiting Jupiter.

Can an object have multiple orbital speeds?

Yes, an object can have multiple orbital speeds if it is in a multi-body system, such as a moon orbiting a planet while also being affected by the gravitational pull of a nearby star.

Is orbital speed the same as escape velocity?

No, orbital speed and escape velocity are two different concepts. Orbital speed is the speed required to maintain a stable orbit around an object, while escape velocity is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the gravitational pull of an object.

How does orbital speed affect space travel?

Orbital speed is crucial for space travel as it determines the trajectory and duration of a spacecraft's journey. The speed at which a spacecraft must travel to reach a certain destination will depend on the orbital speed of the object it is trying to reach.

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