Satellite - resistance (retarding force)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average resistance force acting on a satellite during its flight, specifically at an altitude of 300 km. The problem involves considerations of atmospheric resistance and the conditions at that altitude.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevance of atmospheric resistance at 300 km, with some suggesting that there may be negligible resistance due to the lack of air. Questions are raised about the specific conditions of the satellite's flight and the full problem statement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the problem statement and exploring the implications of atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. Some guidance has been offered regarding the assumptions about resistance, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the problem may involve different phases of flight, such as launching from sea level versus orbiting the Earth, which could affect the interpretation of resistance. Participants express the need for more information to accurately address the question.

charlie05
Messages
128
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


What is the average resistance force F acting on the satellite during its flight, m = 3000kg, h=300km.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


If it is llow orbit, so it inhibits the resistance of the atmosphere. In 300 km is no air, so no resistance ...?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What equation are you using to calculate air pressure at 300 km ?
 
upload_2017-3-20_13-0-21.png
?
 
p0 = 101 325 Pa
h= 300 000m
g=9,81 m/s2
ρ 0 = 1,225 kg/m3
 
p 300 000 = 101 325*e-35,58 Pa
 
https://www.avs.org/AVS/files/c7/c7edaedb-95b2-438f-adfb-36de54f87b9e.pdf
 
Agree it isn't much. What is the question (the full problem statement) ?
 
Yes I agree. Therefore, I think that is a resistive force is zero.
 
BvU said:
What is the question (the full problem statement) ?
According to your terse problem statement they ask for the average reisistance during its flight.
If its flight is circling the Earth for 30 years it might be relevant to come up with a non-zero number.
But if its flight is a launch from sea level all the way up to 300 km I suppose you can ignore the pressure up there.

That's why I asked for the full problem statement
 
  • #10
I understand. I have to ask my teacher. Yet I thank you for the effort and help.
 

Similar threads

Calculating Energy for Satellite Orbit at 300km | Physics Homework Help
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
4K
What are the factors affecting geostationary satellite orbits?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What are the forces acting on an object?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How to calculate the wind force acting on a water drop?
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
Satellite Orbiting: Speed, Period, Altitude Calc.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
How much work is done when a satellite is launched into orbit?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Centripetal Force and circular motion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Kinetic energy and momentum of two satellites colliding
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Effects of Varying Satellite Heights on Orbit Motion
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Physics satellite velocity and period
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K