Rotational speed due to gravitational pull in earth's orbits

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between orbital height and rotational speed, concluding that lower orbits allow for higher speeds due to proximity to Earth, as described by Kepler's Third Law. However, it emphasizes that at very low altitudes, atmospheric drag becomes significant, leading to reentry rather than stable orbit. The mathematical relationship governing this phenomenon involves gravitational pull and orbital mechanics, necessitating a deeper understanding of classical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Kepler's Third Law of planetary motion
  • Basic principles of orbital mechanics
  • Understanding of atmospheric drag effects
  • Classical physics concepts related to gravity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Kepler's Laws in detail, focusing on their applications in orbital dynamics
  • Research the effects of atmospheric drag on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites
  • Explore mathematical models for calculating orbital speed and gravitational forces
  • Investigate the transition from orbiting to reentry in atmospheric physics
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in orbital mechanics and the effects of gravity on satellite motion.

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Hi All,

Assume we have a package that we want it in an orbit with highest possible speed. In which orbit (low,mid,high) the package will rotate faster ? Due to smaller distance, low Earth orbit should allow more speed but there is also more air friction there. What would be the mathematical relation to derive rotational speed dependent on other variables? What kind of parameters should be introduced for a more realistic description of the problem?

Thank you.
 
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This question does not belong in special and general relativity. Classical physics is more than capable of answering this question, which is where I have moved this thread.

The answer is simple: Lower. Kepler's third law.

What if the object gets so low that atmospheric drag becomes significant? Simple: The object is no longer orbiting. It's reentering the Earth's atmosphere.
 

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