Work done by a force changing the distance of a satellite's orbit

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a satellite transitioning between two circular orbits around Earth, requiring the calculation of work done by an external force. The subject area includes concepts of orbital mechanics and energy transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of initial and final orbital speeds and the application of the Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem. There is a mention of the change in kinetic energy as a method for determining work done. Some participants question whether other forms of energy should be considered in the analysis.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of energy involved in the problem. There is recognition of potential errors in the initial calculations and a suggestion to consider additional energy forms.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the implications of energy changes in the context of satellite motion, with a focus on the assumptions made regarding the types of energy at play.

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Homework Statement



A 5530-kg satellite is in a circular Earth orbit that has a radius of 1.81 × 10^7 m. A net external force must act on the satellite to make it change to a circular orbit that has a radius of 8.01 × 10^6 m. What work must the net external force do?

Homework Equations



Orbital Speed:
v = sqrt( G * M_e / r )
where G is the gravitational constant and M_e is Earth's mass

Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem:
W = K_f - K_i = .5*m*v_f^2 - .5*m*v_i^2

The Attempt at a Solution



v_i = sqrt( 6.674e-11 * 5.98e24kg / 1.81e7m )
v_i = 4695.74m/s

v_f = sqrt( 6.674e-11 * 5.98e24kg / 8.01e6m )
v_f = 7058.74m/s

W = .5*m*v_f^2 - .5*m*v_i^2
W = .5*5530kg*7058.74m/s^2 - .5*5530kg*4695.74m/s^2
W = 7.68002e10J
 
Last edited:
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Work = change in energy.
 
Simon Bridge said:
Work = change in energy.

I incorrectly found the work to be the difference between the initial and final kinetic energies above.
 
Are there other forms of energy present?
 

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