Satellite question. find mass of planet and weight on planet?

In summary, a satellite with a mass of 5850 kg is in circular orbit of 4.1x10^5m above the surface of a planet with a radius of 4.15x10^6m. The period of the orbit is 2 hours. The tangential velocity of the satellite can be calculated using the formula v = √(GM / R). For part B and C, the equations v = rw and w = 2pi/period can be used to solve for the mass of the planet and the weight of the satellite on the surface of the planet. By equating the centripetal force with the gravitational force, the answers can be obtained.
  • #1
physics1007
6
0
A satellite, mass of satellite=5850 kg, is in circular orbit of 4.1x10^5m above the surface of a planet, which has a radius of 4.15x10^6m. The period for the orbit is 2 hours.
A) calculate the tangential velocity of the satellite.
B) find the mass of the planet.
C) how much would the satellite weigh on the surface of the planet?

I have only been able to fint the tang-velocity.
v = √(GM / R )
= √(6.67 x 10-8 x 5850 / 4.1 x 105 ) m/s

Can anyone solve part B and C?
 
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  • #2
mrw^2=GMm/r^2 manipulate the v=rw and w=2pi/period
 
  • #3
For both cases equate centripetal force with gravitational force and you you be able to get the answer.
 

1. How can satellite data be used to find the mass of a planet?

Satellite data, such as the orbital period and distance of a satellite, can be used in Kepler's Third Law to calculate the mass of a planet. This law states that the square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the distance between the satellite and the planet's center of mass. By measuring these values, the mass of the planet can be determined.

2. What is the difference between mass and weight on a planet?

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, while weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. The mass of an object remains constant, while the weight can change depending on the strength of gravity. On a planet with a stronger gravitational pull, an object would have a greater weight compared to the same object on a planet with a weaker gravitational pull.

3. How does the mass of a planet affect the weight of objects on its surface?

The mass of a planet directly affects the strength of its gravitational pull. The greater the mass, the stronger the gravitational force, and therefore, the greater the weight of objects on its surface. For example, on a planet with twice the mass of Earth, objects would have twice the weight compared to Earth.

4. Can the mass of a planet be determined using only its satellite's weight?

No, the weight of a satellite is affected by both the mass of the planet and the distance between the satellite and the planet's center of mass. Therefore, the weight alone cannot determine the mass of the planet. Other factors, such as the satellite's orbital period and distance, need to be considered as well.

5. Are there any limitations to using satellite data to find the mass of a planet?

Yes, there are several limitations to consider when using satellite data to find the mass of a planet. The accuracy of the data collected, the presence of other celestial bodies that may affect the satellite's orbit, and the assumptions made in calculations can all impact the accuracy of the resulting mass measurement. Additionally, not all planets have satellites to collect data from, making it impossible to use this method for all celestial bodies.

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