Period of Orbit Homework: Calculating Satellite Revolution Time

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The discussion revolves around calculating the period of revolution for a satellite orbiting Earth at 161,000 meters. The formula used is T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM), where T is the period in seconds. One participant initially miscalculated the period, mistakenly using incorrect values and mixing up mass and radius. There is clarification that pi should be squared in the equation. The conversation highlights the importance of using accurate values in calculations to avoid errors.
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Homework Statement


What is the period of revolution (in minutes) of a satellite orbiting Earth at 161000 m?

Homework Equations


T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM)


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I plugged in the values, and got T = 5250.925844, but that's not right. T, would come out as seconds, right?
 
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dividing your answer by 60 won't get the right solution? cause your T is in seconds..
in r you wrote (Re+161000) right?
 
K, I'm good with this now. Garbage in, garbage out; I was using bad numbers (over and over again).
 
Lol, happens all the time, My friend saved the mass and radius of the Earth in his calculator storage, and accidentally used mass for radius and radius for mass :D
well good luck any way,glad You made it.
 
T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM)

Should pi be squared in this equation?
 
3.211k said:
Should pi be squared in this equation?

Yes.
 

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