Solving the Astronauts' Orbital Speed & Period Around the Moon

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the orbital speed and period of an astronaut orbiting the moon at a specified altitude. The context includes gravitational acceleration on the moon and the radius of the moon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem. Participants suggest recalling relevant equations and discuss Newton's second law in the context of circular motion.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different equations related to circular motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and radius, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

The problem assumes a circular orbit and provides specific values for gravitational acceleration and the radius of the moon, which may influence the approach taken by participants.

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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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