High school Circular Motion Help?

In summary, the question is asking which moon (Ganymede or Callisto) should be landed on first when traveling to Jupiter's moons and what velocity is needed to "catch up" to the faster moon. Additionally, the problem provides information about the spacecraft's weight, fluid friction, and acceleration due to gravity, and asks for the amount of thrust exerted by the spacecraft during a 30-minute acceleration. The equations used are F=GMm/r^2 and G=6.67x10^-11m^3/kg^2, and the question also prompts the consideration of orbital speeds and relationships between planets in the solar system.
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Homework Statement


Part 1
You are traveling to Jupiter's moons:Ganymede and Callisto. You have to land on the slower moon before trying to accelerate to the faster moon. Which moon will you land on first? What must your velocity be in order to "catch up"(accelerate) to the faster moon?

Part 2
Your spacecraft weights 2.04x10^6kg and the fluid friction from the slow moom is 500,000N. The Acceleration due to gravity is 1.3m/s^2. If it takes 30 mins to accelerate to the faster moon, how much thrust does the spacecraft exert?

Homework Equations


G=6.67x10^-11m^3/kg^2
Ganymede: Mass=1.48x10^23kg, Semi-Major Axis=1,070,400km
Callisto: Mass=1.076x10^23kg, Semi-Major Axis=1,882,700km

The Attempt at a Solution


I used F=GMm/r^2 to find the pull between the two moons and Jupiter, and I think that the slower moon would be Callisto. But I don't think that's the right equation to use. And now I have no idea where to even start the other parts of the question.I really want to understand because I don't really get my teacher's explanation. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Think about this, what are the orbital speeds of the planets in the solar system? Is there some kind of relationship? Would the relationship, if it exists, be the same for juipters moons?

Now what about two planets the same distance from the sun, one with twice the mass as the other. Which planet would orbit quicker?
 

Related to High school Circular Motion Help?

1. What is circular motion in high school physics?

Circular motion is the movement of an object along a circular path, where the direction of the object's velocity is constantly changing. This type of motion involves both a tangential and centripetal acceleration.

2. How is circular motion related to Newton's laws of motion?

Circular motion can be explained using Newton's laws of motion. The first law states that an object will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force. In circular motion, the centripetal force acts as this external force, keeping the object moving in a circular path. The second law relates the force, mass, and acceleration of an object, while the third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

3. What is the difference between uniform and non-uniform circular motion?

In uniform circular motion, the speed of the object remains constant, while its direction changes. This means that the magnitude of the object's velocity remains the same, but the direction is constantly changing. In non-uniform circular motion, the speed of the object is also changing, meaning the magnitude of its velocity is not constant.

4. How is centripetal force related to circular motion?

Centripetal force is the force required to keep an object moving along a circular path. In circular motion, the centripetal force acts towards the center of the circle and is responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity. The magnitude of the centripetal force is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its centripetal acceleration.

5. What are some real-life examples of circular motion?

Some common examples of circular motion in everyday life include the rotation of a ceiling fan, the orbit of planets around the sun, and the motion of a car around a curved track. Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and roller coasters also exhibit circular motion. Additionally, circular motion can be observed in the spinning of a top or the swinging of a pendulum.

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