What Is the Magnitude of Satellite Acceleration Due to Gravity?

[Cursed]

Homework Statement

Synchronus communications satellites are placed in a circular orbit that is 3.59 x 10⁷ m above the Earth's surface. What is the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity at this distance?

F=?
G=6.67259 x 10^-11 N*m²/kg²
M_E (Mass of Earth)= 5.98 x 10²⁴ kg
r = 3.59 x10⁷m

Homework Equations

F = (G*m₁*m₂)/(r²)
F = MA

The Attempt at a Solution

1) F = G * (M_E²/r²) = 1.8514...N
2)F = MA --> (1.8514...N) = (5.98 x 10²⁴)A
3) A = 0.309 m/s²

CORRECT ANSWER: 0.233 m/s²

 

[Doc Al]

In Newton's law of gravity, r is the distance from the center of the earth, not the distance from the surface.

 

[Cursed]

In Newton's law of gravity, r is the distance from the center of the earth, not the distance from the surface.

Ah, there's the problem. :P

Thanks. :D