Solve Satellite Problem: Find Speed at Maximum Height

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The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a package fired at a 45-degree angle that reaches a maximum height equal to Earth's radius (h = 6370 km). The participant used energy conservation and parabolic motion equations to derive the speed at maximum height, specifically applying the formula hmax = Vo^2(sin^2 ø) / 2g. However, discrepancies arose when comparing results with angular momentum conservation methods and escape velocity formulas. The key conclusion is that the equation for hmax is only valid under constant gravitational acceleration, which may lead to differing results when applied incorrectly.

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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?
[/b]
 
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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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