Solve Satellite Problem: Find Speed at Maximum Height

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The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a package fired at a 45-degree angle when it reaches a maximum height equal to Earth's radius (6370 km). The initial calculations used energy conservation and parabolic motion equations, yielding consistent results. However, the book's approach using angular momentum and escape velocity led to a different outcome. A key point noted is that the parabolic motion equation assumes constant gravitational acceleration, which may not apply at such heights. The discrepancy in results highlights the importance of correctly applying the principles of physics involved in the problem.
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A small package is fired off Earth's surface with a speed V at a 45o angle. It reaches maximum height of h above surface at h=6370km, a value equal to Earth's radius itself.
What is the speed when it reaches this height? Ignore any effects that might come from Earth's rotation.




Energy converstion: 1/2 mv^2 - GmM/R1 = 1/2mV^2 - 1/2 GmM/R2
Parabolic Motion: hmax= vo^2(sin^2 ø) /2g
Angular momentum conversition :L=rmv etc. etc.



3. I first calculated the Vo speed from hmax= vo^2(sin^2 ø) /2g equation
Then I put the value into:
1/2 mv^2 - GmM/R1 = 1/2mV^2
- 1/2 GmM/R2

noting that R2=hmax=2 x Rearth

Then I calculated and found the SAME result from parabolic motion equations:
first
time= x/V0 cosø ... and then finding out Vx and Vy thus resulting to V speed.

Yet,

The book starts with angular momentum conversion, stating that :
m(Vcosø)R = m Vfinal 2R and then using Vescape speed formula and energy conversition it comes out with completely different result.

Where did I go wrong? or how come results do not reconcile?
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hmax = vo^2(sin^2 ø) /2g is only valid if the acceleration of gravity is constant.

You can use the angular momentum equation to get the velocity at the apogee of the orbit as a function of the velocity at the surface. You can then subtitute that in the energy equation
 
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