Satellite and gravitational force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in gravitational force and orbital mechanics, specifically involving a satellite in circular motion around the Earth. The original poster attempts to find the radius, speed, and period of the satellite's orbit based on the gravitational force experienced.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster applies the gravitational force equation to determine the radius of the orbit but questions the validity of their result. Participants raise concerns about the physical plausibility of the calculated radius and identify a missing term in the gravitational force equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning the original poster's calculations and assumptions. Guidance has been provided regarding the correct formulation of the gravitational force equation, indicating a productive direction for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy in the calculated radius, which raises questions about the application of the gravitational force formula. The original poster's approach may be constrained by a misunderstanding of the relationship between the gravitational force, mass of the satellite, and orbital radius.

fa08ti
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a 500 kg satellite experiences a gravitational force of 3000 N, while moving in a circular orbit around the earth.
a: find the radius of the circular orbit
b: find the speed of the satellite
c: find the period of the orbit

attempt

a:
g= GM/r^2
r=sqrt(GM/g)
r= 3.33 x 10^-6 m

am i right?
 
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Think about your answer for a second... does 10^-6m make any physical sense?
 
not at all...where did i go wrong?
 
Your equation is missing a term for the mass of the satellite:

F_{G} = \frac{GMm}{r^{2}}
 
thanks a lot!
 

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