Satelites & Orbits: Find the Orbital Speed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the orbital speed of a satellite placed above Jupiter's surface, utilizing gravitational equations. The context includes both the initial problem of finding orbital speed and a subsequent question regarding the radius needed for a rotating space station to achieve a specific gravitational effect on astronauts.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the orbital speed using the formula V=sqroot(GM/r) and raises concerns about an unexpectedly large result. Other participants question the application of the square root in the calculations and suggest re-evaluating the steps taken. Additionally, a new question is posed regarding the radius for a rotating space station, leading to discussions about the equations set up for that scenario.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen some productive exchanges, with participants offering guidance on checking calculations and clarifying the use of equations. The original poster has acknowledged mistakes in their calculations and has indicated progress in resolving their queries, although no explicit consensus has been reached on the orbital speed calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules and are exploring assumptions related to gravitational effects and orbital mechanics. There is an acknowledgment of potential errors in calculations that may affect the outcomes discussed.

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Homework Statement



A satelite is placed in orbit 6.00x10^5 meters above the surface of Jupiter which has a mass of 1.90x10^27kg and has a radius of 7.14x10^7m. Find the orbital speed of the satelite

Homework Equations



V=sqroot(GM/r)


The Attempt at a Solution



First i added the altitude of the satelite to the radius of Jupiter to find the total orbital radius, then just plugged in numbers to get:

V=sqroot((6.67x10^-11)(1.90x10^27kg)/7.2x10^7m)

That seems like it would be right but my answer is way too big

Any help would be greatly appreciated
 
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A common mistake in these problems is to forget the square root.

Is that what you did?

The answer I got was reasonable using your method.
 
lol this time i got 4.2x10^4m/s which is the right answer. Maybe i did forget the squre root.
Thanks

I had one more question and it is:
Suppose the surface of a space station is rotating and 35.8m/s. What must be the value of r (radius) for the astronauts to weigh one-half their weight on earth.

I was able to get two equations equal to each other and they are M(V^2/r)=M(g)
Then i rearranged to get V^2/r=1/2g-----> i divided "g" by two because of the half weight thing
but when i solve for r its a super small number
where am i going wrong?
 
It seems right to me... re-check your solving for r.

Did you remember to square the velocity? :)

What do you mean by "super small number"?
 
gah i made another stupid mistake
i did (1/2g)/V^2 for some reason
i have the right answer now though
lol I am having an off night
thansk tough
 

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