Shuttle moving in a circular orbit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the total acceleration of the space shuttle moving in a circular orbit at a speed of 7.8 km/s with a period of 87 minutes. To find the radius of the orbit, participants suggest using the universal law of gravitation, noting that the mass of the satellite will cancel out in the calculations. The calculations involve determining angular velocity and applying circular motion equations to find the radius and acceleration. The retro engine's deceleration of 6 m/s² is factored into the total acceleration calculation. Participants confirm that the approach is correct, emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship between gravitational forces and circular motion.
clownbaby
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
The space shuttle is moving in a circular orbit with a speed of 7.8km/s and a period of 87min. In order to return Earth, the shuttle fires its retro engines opposite to its direction of motion. The engine provide a deceleration of 6m/s^2 that is constant in magnitude and direction. What is the total acceleration of the shuttle?

can't seem to understand how to start solving it. don't i need the radius of orbit?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
clownbaby said:
don't i need the radius of orbit?
Yes. Use the universal law of gravitation to solve radius of the orbit.
 
i tried to solve it but I am not sure if it is correct.

ω=2pi/T
360/87x60=2/29
V=ω.r
2/29xr=7800
r=113100m = 113,1km
a = v^2/r = ω^2r (circular motion equations)
(2/29)^2x113,1=78/145 km/sec^2 = 15600/29 m/sec^2

the retro engine deceleration is 6m/sec^2
15600/29-6=15426/29 m/sec^2

is it correct? i really need help, confirmation on this.
 
lep11 said:
Yes. Use the universal law of gravitation to solve radius of the orbit.

gravitation law requires masses if am not mistaken and also i think this is a circular motion question.
 
clownbaby said:
gravitation law requires masses if am not mistaken and also i think this is a circular motion question.
Satellite mass will cancel out.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

From circular orbit to elliptical orbit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Doubling speed in circular orbit to attain elliptical orbit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why Does a Shuttle Need to Be in a Circular Orbit for Apparent Weightlessness?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Velocity required to escape the solar system
Replies
15
Views
1K
Circular orbit change after gaining mass ejected from sun
Replies
1
Views
1K
Is the Analysis of the Space Shuttle's Orbit Correct?
Replies
27
Views
4K
Finding the radius of the satellite's circular orbit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Acceleration in uniform circular motion is uniform or non-uniform?
2
Replies
55
Views
3K
Relation between the velocity vector and the acceleration vector of an object
Replies
1
Views
651
Tension of string acting on stone moving in horizontal circular motion
Replies
19
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top