Radius of Satellite Orbit - 2.1 Days Period

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    Orbit Radius
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the radius of a satellite's orbit around the sun, given its orbital period of 2.1 days. The subject area includes orbital mechanics and gravitational physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to convert the period from days to seconds and explore the relationship between orbital velocity and radius. There are attempts to apply gravitational equations and centripetal force concepts to the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing equations and clarifying concepts. Some have noted that the speed of the satellite may not be necessary for finding the radius, while others express confusion about the relevance of velocity in their approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the gravitational constant and the need for consistent units, which may indicate constraints in the problem setup. Participants are also reflecting on their understanding of the equations involved.

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Homework Statement


A satellite orbits the sun with a period of 2.1 day. What is the radius of its orbit?


Homework Equations



T=2pi*r/V

The Attempt at a Solution



If the time is given in days I have to convert to seconds right? Also how would I find velocity would I use V=square root (Gms/r)? For some reason gravity has got me confused
 
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If the time is given in days I have to convert to seconds right?

That would be useful, as the units of G involve seconds.

Recognize that

v = 2πr/T

and m*v2/r = GMm/r2 or as you have written

v2 = GM/r

Combine with

v2 = (2πr/T)2 = GM/r
 
so that actually gets rid of the actual speed of the object as far as usefulness in the equation.
 
Last edited:
Alternatively you could also use [itex]m \omega^2 r[/itex] as the centripetal force.
 
That is an awesome way to check yourself since he wants the work done by using the gravity equations but just to double check myself I can use that! Thats a big help also thank you!
 
talaroue said:
so that actually gets rid of the actual speed of the object as far as usefulness in the equation.

Well ... yes. They only ask you for the radius. Were you invested in wanting to find the speed?
 
No, but I just didn't even think about using the equations that deal with velocity. So I was getting lost. Is there another way to go about this problem?
 
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