Solve Gravitation Problem: Find Planet Radius from 11 kg Satellite Orbit

  • Thread starter Thread starter ChazyChazLive
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravitation
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the radius of a planet based on the orbital characteristics of a satellite, specifically a satellite with a known mass, orbital period, and gravitational acceleration at the planet's surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of a formula relating satellite orbit parameters to the planet's radius. There are questions about the correct input values, particularly the orbital period in seconds, and the squaring of time in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed agreement on the formula used, while others have pointed out potential errors in calculations. There is a recognition of differing results among participants, with some expressing uncertainty about their own calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on ensuring correct unit conversions and mathematical operations.

ChazyChazLive
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
A 11 kg satellite has a circular orbit with a period of 1.0 h and a radius of 4.9 × 10^6 m around a planet of unknown mass. If the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the planet is 41 m/s^2, what is the radius of the planet?


The attempt at a solution
I used the formula:
(4pi^2 Rs^3) / (a T^2) = Rp^2


I'm on my last try.
I got 177000000 and then 935000.
I know the formula is right for sure.
I'm not sure what's going on with my calculations. It's basic algebra, easy stuff, but I'm making some mistake... >.>
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
What You wrote seems right...
What did You plug for T?i hope 3600sec
i got 2956411 meters
approx:
3*10^6
 
Last edited:
The first answer you got was because you didn't square the time. I am unsure how you got to the second answer, however I do get the same answer as Dweirdo.
 
Okay I don't know how I got that second one either.
I kept plugging in the numbers and got that second answer.
For some reason, after I read Dweirdo's post, I plugged it in again and this time it worked.
Don't know what I did back then but thank you very much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K