Velocity to Keep Object in Orbit Above Moon - Jeffrey

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity required to maintain an orbit just above the surface of the Moon. The key formula involves equating gravitational force to centripetal force, specifically using the centripetal acceleration of 1.6 m/s², which is the Moon's gravitational acceleration. By applying the formula a (centripetal) = v²/r, where r is the mean radius of the Moon, one can derive the necessary orbital velocity through algebraic manipulation.

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I am trying to find velocity which is needed to keep any object which is in orbit outerspace just above the surface of the moon. Help appriciated...
Jeffrey
 
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Try thinking about this more generally. You have an object moving in a circular path (in this case in orbit around the moon). In order to maintain this path there must be a centripetal force acting, in this case gravity. Write down the gravitational force between the object and the moon and equate it to the centripetal force, the answer should then be just a few lines of algebra away.

Good luck!
 
interesting, a (centripetal) = v^2 over r, where r is mean radius of moon, and a (centripetal) is 1.6 m/s^2, one can solve for v.
I think I got it, thanks buddy.
 

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