Satellite Physics Problem: Calculating Velocity for Orbit Maintenance

  • Thread starter Thread starter Coco12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics Satellite
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the velocity required for a satellite to maintain its orbit, where the centripetal acceleration equals the acceleration due to gravity. The radius of the orbit is specified as 6.37 x 10^6 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration, with attempts to derive the velocity from the given radius. Questions arise regarding the value of acceleration due to gravity at different distances from the Earth's center.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary concepts, including Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation and the implications of the satellite's orbit radius. Some participants suggest using a simplified value for gravitational acceleration, while others question its validity based on the satellite's altitude.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may be constrained by the concepts covered in their coursework, specifically mentioning that they have not yet learned about Newton's gravitational force, which may influence the expected approach to the problem.

Coco12
Messages
272
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



a satellite will remain in orbit such that the centripetal acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity. The radius of the satellites orbit is 6.37*10^6m. What speed must the satellite travel to stay in orbit?

Homework Equations



ac=v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



Would I just take the sqrt of ac*r to get the velocity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is a good start. But do you know ac?
 
Won't ac be 9.8? Since it is equal to acc due to gravity?
 
Coco12 said:
Won't ac be 9.8? Since it is equal to acc due to gravity?

That's only valid at the surface of the Earth ... do you know how to find it at any distance from the center of the earth? That is what you need!
 
How do u find it?
 
Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation ... F = G mM/r^2.
 
mM stands for?
 
Mass of earth, mass of satellite.
 
Coco12 said:
The radius of the satellites orbit is 6.37*10^6m.
Compare that to the radius of the Earth. Seems that the satellite is just skimming the surface. Is that the intention?
 
  • #10
I think so because we did not learn the formula: Newtons gravitational force yet. We only learned about ac and FC and simple harmonic motion. So I don't think the teacher will give us something that we never used yet??
 
  • #11
In that case use acceleration = 9.8 m/s/s
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K