Really stuck on this question about gravitational fields

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to gravitational fields, specifically calculating the height of a satellite above the Earth's surface given its gravitational field strength. The context includes the gravitational constant, the mass of the Earth, and the Earth's radius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the formula g = GM/r² but expresses uncertainty about rearranging it to find the distance from the Earth's surface. Some participants suggest considering the relationship between centripetal force and gravitational force in circular orbits, while others clarify the use of the given gravitational field strength instead of the standard gravity value.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, with some guidance provided on using the specific gravitational field strength for the satellite's orbit. There is an acknowledgment of the need to adjust the calculated distance to answer the original question accurately.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the application of standard gravity versus the gravitational field strength provided in the problem. The participants are also navigating the implications of circular motion in the context of gravitational forces.

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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