Gravitational force, Speed, and period of a Satellite.

In summary, a satellite with a mass of 300 kg in a circular orbit 5.00 X 107 m above Earth's surface has a gravitational force of 38N. The speed and period of the satellite are calculated as 9572517 m/h and 37 hours, respectively, which may seem too large. However, using seconds as the unit of time, the speed and period can be calculated more accurately. It is unclear how the mass of the satellite was incorporated into the equation for the period.
  • #1
Imuell1
10
0

Homework Statement


A satellite that has a mass of 300 kg moves in a circular orbit 5.00 X 107 m above Earth's surface. (a) What is the gravitational force on the satellite? (b) What is the speed of the satellite? (c) What is the period of the satellite?



Homework Equations


Fg= GMEm/(r+rE
T2= [4pi2/G(ME+m)]*(r+rE)3


The Attempt at a Solution


Fg= 38N
T=37 hours
V=9572517 m/h

I think the gravitational force might be right but the speed and period seem to be ridiculously too large.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
37 is not so much :D
a broadcasting satellite ,which has period of 24 hours around earth(like the Earth around it self!) has a distance of 3.6*10^7 meters from the surface of the Earth AFAIK.
But didnt get the same V as You did,did You write T as seconds?(37*60*60
EDIT1:
Oh I did, didn't see Your units ,You better solve it with seconds, and not m/h
EDIT2:
How did the mass of the satellite get to the equation of period?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
It is important to note that the gravitational force and speed of a satellite are dependent on the mass of the satellite, the mass of the Earth, and the distance between them.

To accurately calculate the speed and period of the satellite, we would need to use the correct equations and values for these variables. The equations used in the attempt at a solution are not the correct ones for calculating speed and period of a satellite in a circular orbit.

The correct equation for the speed of a satellite in a circular orbit is v= √(GM/r), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the distance between the satellite and the center of the Earth. Using this equation and the given values, the speed of the satellite can be calculated to be approximately 7,073 m/s.

Similarly, the correct equation for the period of a satellite in a circular orbit is T= 2π√(r3/GM). Using this equation and the given values, the period of the satellite can be calculated to be approximately 2.68 hours.

In conclusion, it is important to use the correct equations and values when calculating the gravitational force, speed, and period of a satellite. These values can vary greatly depending on the mass and distance of the satellite and the planet it is orbiting.
 

Related to Gravitational force, Speed, and period of a Satellite.

1. What is gravitational force?

Gravitational force is the force of attraction between two objects with mass. It is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun and for keeping objects on Earth's surface.

2. How is gravitational force related to the mass and distance between two objects?

Gravitational force is directly proportional to the mass of the objects and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that the greater the mass of the objects, the stronger the gravitational force, and the farther apart they are, the weaker the force.

3. What is the speed of a satellite in orbit?

The speed of a satellite in orbit is determined by its distance from the object it is orbiting and the strength of the gravitational force between them. The farther away the satellite is, the slower its speed will be, and vice versa.

4. How does the period of a satellite's orbit relate to its speed and distance?

The period, or time it takes for a satellite to complete one orbit, is directly proportional to the distance between the satellite and the object it is orbiting. This means that the farther away the satellite is, the longer its period will be. The speed of the satellite also affects its period, as a faster speed will result in a shorter period.

5. Can the speed and period of a satellite be changed?

Yes, the speed and period of a satellite can be changed by altering its distance from the object it is orbiting. This can be done by using thrusters or gravitational assist from other objects. However, these changes must be carefully calculated to avoid disrupting the satellite's orbit or causing it to crash into another object.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
866
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top