What speed would a satellite have to be placed to make it into orbit?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the speed required for a satellite to achieve a stable orbit at an altitude of 8,848 meters, specifically considering gravitational forces and centripetal acceleration in the context of orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal acceleration, questioning how to set up the relevant equations for orbital speed. Some express uncertainty about the necessary parameters, such as mass, while others discuss the implications of altitude on orbital dynamics.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the concepts of centripetal acceleration and gravitational force. There is a focus on understanding the balance of forces required for circular motion, though no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or values.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the idealized conditions of no atmosphere and the assumption of a fixed radius for the orbit, which may influence their calculations and understanding of the problem.

joe426
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Homework Statement



JHBmJ.png


Homework Equations



F = G(m1m2/r2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Well the height of Mt. Everest is 8,848 m. And I'm guessing the no atmosphere and not turning on an axis is just to setup the ideal problem. But from there I don't know how to set up the equation so that the satellite is placed into orbit.
 
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joe426 said:

Homework Statement



JHBmJ.png


Homework Equations



F = G(m1m2/r2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Well the height of Mt. Everest is 8,848 m. And I'm guessing the no atmosphere and not turning on an axis is just to setup the ideal problem. But from there I don't know how to set up the equation so that the satellite is placed into orbit.

What's the circular orbit speed for a satellite orbiting at an altitude of 8848m?
 
gneill said:
What's the circular orbit speed for a satellite orbiting at an altitude of 8848m?

I dunno. How would I find it without given mass?
 
I know that centrip acceleration is equal to v^2 / r. Would I set that to 0 and solve for v?
 
joe426 said:
I know that centrip acceleration is equal to v^2 / r. Would I set that to 0 and solve for v?

Nope. Right formula, but the centripetal acceleration won't be zero. What acceleration will balance it to make the total come out to zero?
 
gneill said:
Nope. Right formula, but the centripetal acceleration won't be zero. What acceleration will balance it to make the total come out to zero?

94 m/s?
Not sure what you mean by, "balance it to make the total come out to zero?"
 
Last edited:
joe426 said:
94 m/s?
Not sure what you mean by, "balance it to make the total come out to zero?"

The radius of a circular orbit must be constant (or else it wouldn't be a circle!). That means the net radially-directed acceleration (or force) must be zero. What two accelerations act to reach a balance for a circular orbit? Or in other words, what two forces are acting?
 

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