Really stuck on this question about gravitational fields

AI Thread Summary
To determine the height of a satellite orbiting Earth with a gravitational field strength of 4.5 N kg^-1, the formula g = GM / r^2 is used, where G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the Earth. The value of g provided is specific to the satellite's altitude, not the surface value of 9.8 N kg^-1. By rearranging the formula to solve for r, the distance from the center of the Earth can be calculated. The final step involves subtracting Earth's radius from this distance to find the satellite's height above the Earth's surface. This approach simplifies the problem and leads to the correct solution.
smiley1121
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Homework Statement



The gravitational field strength experianced by a satellite orbiting Earth is 4.5 N kg^-1. Calculate how high above the Earths surface the satellite is in orbit.

other info:

the gravitational constant is 6.67x10^-11
the mass of the Earth is: 6.0x10^24 kg
the radius of the Earth is: 6.38x10^6 m

Homework Equations



I think you have to use

g= GM / r^2

but the problem is i know to find distance you have to add it to the radius but I am really unsure on how to rearrange this to find distance when i already have g.

The Attempt at a Solution



really not sure :l
 
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Welcome to PF, Smiley. I don't want to spoil your adventure with this problem, but I'll give you a terrific hint. In all these orbit problems that you'll meet this year, a circular orbit is implied. So you have circular motion. That means something is providing a centripetal force pulling the satellite toward the center of the circle. It is the force of gravity. Begin all these problems by writing
centripetal force = force of gravity
Fill in the detailed formulas and solve for the quantity you want!
 
thankyou for your reply!
I think what you're trying to tell me is that i use gravity in my answer (as in 9.8?). Except i don't really understand where gravity fits in because aren't i supposed to be finding the distance?

I really appreaciate the help! :)
 
Sorry, I now see that your question is not really an orbit problem. It s simpler than I wrote earlier!

Don't use g = 9.8; that is only true at the surface of the Earth. Out where this satellite is, you are given g = 4.5 N kg^-1. Just put that into your formula
g= GM / r^2
and solve for r. You will have to adjust that answer a bit to get the one the question asks for.
 
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