What is the gravitational potential energy of a satellite in a circular orbit?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the gravitational potential energy of a satellite in a circular orbit, specifically at a radius of three times the Earth's radius (3Re). The mass of the satellite is provided, but there are uncertainties regarding the mass of the Earth and the gravitational constant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for gravitational potential energy, with one suggesting the use of U = -GMm/r. Questions arise about the definition of the mass of the circular orbit and the implications of the radius being expressed in terms of Earth's radius.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the parameters involved, particularly the mass of the Earth and the meaning of the radius in the context of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formula, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of the variables.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of needing to look up the mass of the Earth and the gravitational constant, indicating that some information is not readily available to the participants. The radius is expressed in terms of Earth's radius, which may lead to further questions about the context of the orbit.

Ania
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Homework Statement



i have to determine the potential energy of a satellite around a circular orbit and i have been given

the radius of the circular orbit is 3Re and mass of a satellite of 5.00*10^2 -- ONLY


Homework Equations



so can use the Gmm/r... and subsitute the mass of the circular orbit as 1.

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Not quite sure what you mean by mass of the circular orbit, but if you use [tex]U=\frac{-GMm}{r}[/tex], where G is the gravitational constant, M is mass of the earth, m is the mass of the sattelite, and r is the radius of the orbit, you should be able to work out the gravitational potential energy U. You might just need to google the mass of the Earth and gravitational constant. Hope this helps.
 
no...the satellite is orbiting around a unknown circular orbit with a radius of 3Re
 
Ania said:
no...the satellite is orbiting around a unknown circular orbit with a radius of 3Re

Hi Ania! Welcome to PF! :smile:

What do you think is unknown about it?

(Re means Earth radius, of course.)
 

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