Period of Orbit Homework: Calculating Satellite Revolution Time

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the period of revolution of a satellite orbiting Earth at a specific altitude. The problem involves applying the gravitational formula relating the period to the radius of orbit.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the period using the formula T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM) and question the correctness of their inputs and assumptions. There is a mention of converting seconds to minutes and the potential confusion regarding the values used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on checking the values used in the calculations, while others share personal experiences related to similar mistakes. There is an ongoing exploration of the formula and its components, with no clear consensus reached on the correctness of the approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of using incorrect values in calculations and the importance of ensuring that units are consistent. There is also a question regarding whether pi should be squared in the equation, indicating a potential area of confusion in the formula's application.

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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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