Uniform circular motion of satellite

In summary, the Earth satellite has a circular orbit 735 km above the Earth's surface with a period of 99.3 min. Using the equations a = v^2/r and T=2(pi)r/v, the user found incorrect solutions of 775 m for the speed and .818 for the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration. After realizing the need to add the radius of the Earth to the distance, the user was able to obtain the correct solutions.
  • #1
iamkristing
33
0
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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  • #2
735km is the distance above the surface, r should be the distance from the point it is rotating around
 
  • #3
right so would you add the radius of the Earth to 735 as well?
 
  • #4
nevermind i got it. thanks!
 

FAQ: Uniform circular motion of satellite

1. What is uniform circular motion of a satellite?

Uniform circular motion of a satellite refers to the motion of a satellite around a central body, such as the Earth, in which the satellite travels at a constant speed along a circular path. This motion is a result of the gravitational pull of the central body on the satellite.

2. How does the speed of a satellite in uniform circular motion change?

The speed of a satellite in uniform circular motion remains constant, as long as there are no external forces acting on it. This is due to the balance between the centrifugal force, which pushes the satellite away from the central body, and the centripetal force, which pulls the satellite towards the central body.

3. What determines the period of a satellite in uniform circular motion?

The period of a satellite in uniform circular motion is determined by the radius of its orbit and the mass of the central body. The greater the radius of the orbit, the longer the period of the satellite, and the greater the mass of the central body, the shorter the period of the satellite.

4. Is there a difference between a satellite in uniform circular motion and a satellite in elliptical motion?

Yes, there is a difference between a satellite in uniform circular motion and a satellite in elliptical motion. In uniform circular motion, the satellite travels at a constant speed along a circular path, while in elliptical motion, the satellite travels at varying speeds along an elliptical path around the central body.

5. How does the altitude of a satellite affect its uniform circular motion?

The altitude of a satellite, or its distance from the central body, affects its uniform circular motion by determining the strength of the gravitational force acting on the satellite. A higher altitude means a weaker gravitational force and a slower speed, while a lower altitude means a stronger gravitational force and a faster speed.

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