Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth

In summary, a 340 kg communications satellite in circular orbit around the Earth with a radius of 27800 km from the center of the Earth has a weight of 0 N on the surface of the Earth and experiences a gravitational force of 0.2944 kN from the Earth. This was calculated using the equation Fg= G(m1*m2)/r^2 and taking into account the mass and radius of the Earth. It is important to note that the distance in Newton's Law of Gravitation is measured from the center of mass of the two objects involved, not from the surface.
  • #1
SoccaCrazy24
25
0
A communications satellite with a mass of 340 kg is in a circular orbit about the Earth. The radius of the orbit is 27800 km as measured from the center of the Earth.
(a) Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth.
(b) Calculate the gravitational force exerted on the satellite by the Earth when it is in orbit.

Well here are some information needed for the problem...
Mass of Earth = 5.97x10^24 kg
Radius of Earth = 6,356,908.8 m

I already have a...
But for b.. I used the equation Fg= G(m1*m2)/r^2
so... Fg = (6.67x10^-11 * 340 * 5.97^24)/(27800000-6356908.8)^2 = 294.4 N is this right? because it asks for it in kN which is .2944 kN did i do something wrong somewhere because somehow that isn't right...
 
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  • #2
The distance in Newton's Law of Gravitation is from the center of mass of the two objects involved. In this case, it'll be essentially from the center of the Earth, not from the surface.
 
  • #3
thanks diane...
 

Related to Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth

1. How is the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth calculated?

The weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth is calculated using the formula W = mg, where W is the weight, m is the mass of the satellite, and g is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth (9.8 m/s²).

2. Does the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth change as it orbits?

Yes, the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth changes as it orbits. This is because the distance between the satellite and the center of the Earth changes, affecting the force of gravity acting on the satellite. However, the mass of the satellite remains constant.

3. How does the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth compare to its weight in space?

The weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth is greater than its weight in space. This is because the force of gravity on Earth is greater than the force of gravity in space, which is why objects tend to weigh less on the moon or in orbit.

4. Can the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth be negative?

No, the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth cannot be negative. Weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object, and gravity always pulls objects towards the center of the Earth, resulting in a positive weight.

5. How does the weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth affect its orbit?

The weight of a satellite on the surface of the Earth does not directly affect its orbit. Instead, it is the mass and velocity of the satellite that determine its orbit. However, the weight of the satellite can affect the amount of fuel needed to maintain its orbit and the amount of drag it experiences from the Earth's atmosphere.

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