Solving the Astronauts' Orbital Speed & Period Around the Moon

AI Thread Summary
To solve the problem of an astronaut's orbital speed and period around the Moon, the relevant equations include Newton's second law for circular motion, expressed as acceleration (a) equals velocity squared (v²) divided by radius (r). Given the Moon's radius of 1.70 x 10^6 m and gravitational acceleration of 1.52 m/s², the orbital speed can be calculated using the formula v = √(a * r). The period of the orbit can be derived from the circular motion assumptions stated in the problem. This approach provides a clear method for determining both the speed and period of the astronaut's orbit.
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Hey guys, I got the following problem.


Whenever two Apollo astronauts were on the surface of the moon, a third astronaut orbited the moon. Assume the orbit to be circular and 100km above the surface of the moon, where the acceleration due to gravity is 1.52 m/s. The radius of the moon is 1.70 x 106. Determine the astronauts orbital speed and the period of the orbit.

It seems east, btu I still have no idea how to get started on this one:frown:
 
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What equations do you know that could give you a starting point?

The Bob
 
None. got all m or T in it, so thatös not going to work.
 
What is the equation Newton's second law in circular motion?

The Bob
 
Thats a= v2/r.

You mean v= square root of a * r ? Ok, I didn't think of that then. But what about the period?
 
Well that is answered for you in the question:
Assume the orbit to be circular [...]

This enough of a hint?

The Bob
 

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