Satellite (Gravitation) Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the orbital radius of a satellite with a given orbital period of 5760 seconds around Earth. The subject area pertains to gravitation and orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty regarding the lack of velocity or acceleration information needed to solve for the orbital radius. Some suggest that the orbit is circular and propose using equations related to orbital motion to relate period, radius, and velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of relevant equations, but no consensus has been reached on the completeness of the information provided.

Contextual Notes

There is a suggestion that part of the original question may have been cut off, leading to uncertainty about the information available for solving the problem.

Destrio
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A satellite has a orbital period of 5760s around earth. What is the orbital radius?

I'm not sure how I can do this without the velocity or acceleration.

Thanks,
 
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Is no other information provided in the question?
 
no other information,
however, part of the question might have been cut off
 
EDIt: Never mind...
 
Last edited:
Destrio said:
A satellite has a orbital period of 5760s around earth. What is the orbital radius?

I'm not sure how I can do this without the velocity or acceleration.

Thanks,
I assume they mean that the orbit is circular.

Then simply use
[tex]P = { 2 \pi R \over v}[/tex]

and [tex]m { v^2 \over R} = G { m M \over R^2}[/tex]
where M is the mass of the Earth and m is the mass of the satellite. Then you have two equations for two unknowns: R and v. Which you can then solve.

Patrick
 

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