Uniform circular motion of satellite

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed and centripetal acceleration of a satellite in uniform circular motion at an altitude of 735 km above the Earth's surface, with a period of 99.3 minutes. The correct radius for calculations includes the Earth's radius, which must be added to the altitude of the satellite, resulting in a total radius of 735,000 meters. The speed of the satellite is determined to be approximately 7,775 m/s, and the centripetal acceleration is calculated to be 0.818 m/s². The initial calculations were incorrect due to the omission of the Earth's radius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion principles
  • Familiarity with the equations for centripetal acceleration and orbital motion
  • Knowledge of Earth's radius (approximately 6,371 km)
  • Ability to convert time units (minutes to seconds)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the centripetal acceleration formula
  • Learn about gravitational forces affecting satellite motion
  • Explore the concept of orbital mechanics in more detail
  • Investigate the impact of altitude on satellite speed and acceleration
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Students in physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in satellite dynamics and orbital mechanics.

iamkristing
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1. An Earth satellite moves in a circular orbit 735 km above the Earth's surface. The period of the motion is 99.3 min. (a) What is the speed of the satellite?(b) What is the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration of the satellite?



2. a = v^2/r

T=2(pi)r/v


3. i needed the solution in meters per second and found r = 735000 and T =5958. I plugged into the equations and solved and get 775 m for the speed and .818 for the magnitude. Both answers are incorrect but I'm unable to come up with the correct ones.
 
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735km is the distance above the surface, r should be the distance from the point it is rotating around
 
right so would you add the radius of the Earth to 735 as well?
 
nevermind i got it. thanks!
 

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