Is it possible to find orbital velocity depending on time?

In summary, when calculating the mass of the Earth using the moon as a reference and Kepler's 3rd Law, it is necessary to subtract the moon's mass from the final result in order to get a more accurate measurement. This is because the moon's mass also affects the orbital period and must be taken into account. However, this difference may not be significant in most cases.
  • #1
hmvince
44
0
A satellite is in orbit around earth,
(you know G, mass of earth, etc. but NOT the radius)
is it possible to find orbital period?
 
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  • #2
hmvince said:
A satellite is in orbit around earth,
(you know G, mass of earth, etc. but NOT the radius)
is it possible to find orbital period?

If only G and mass are all that is known, then No. According to Kepler's Law you must know the radius to get the orbital period, (or vice versa). All you can determine with only G and M is the ratio of the orbital period squared to the radius cubed...which is equal to 4(pi)^2 / GM.

Creator
 
  • #3
Sorry about the late reply, but thankyou very much.
If it's not too much trouble, when calculating the mass of the Earth using the moon as a reference and Kepler's 3rd Law, is it correct to subtract the moon's mass after completing the sum:

Code:
m[SUB]e[/SUB] = (4*(pi)[SUP]2[/SUP]*r[SUP]3[/SUP]) / (G*t[SUP]2[/SUP])

m[SUB]e[/SUB] = (4*(pi)[SUP]2[/SUP]*385000000[SUP]3[/SUP]) / (G*2358720[SUP]2[/SUP])

m[SUB]e[/SUB] = 6.07[SUB]E[/SUB]+24

Should I be subtracting the moons mass to get:

Code:
m[SUB]e[/SUB] = 6.07[SUB]E[/SUB]+24 - 7.36[SUB]e[/SUB]+22  =   5.99[SUB]E[/SUB]+24

I know its not a big difference but I would like to be doing this correctly.
Thanks very much
 

Related to Is it possible to find orbital velocity depending on time?

1. What is orbital velocity?

Orbital velocity is the speed at which an object must travel in order to maintain a stable orbit around another object, such as a planet or star.

2. How is orbital velocity related to time?

Orbital velocity is not directly related to time. However, the speed at which an object travels in its orbit will change over time due to factors such as gravity, air resistance, and other external forces.

3. How do scientists calculate orbital velocity?

Orbital velocity can be calculated using the formula v = √(GM/r), where v is the velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the larger object, and r is the distance between the two objects.

4. What factors affect an object's orbital velocity?

The factors that affect an object's orbital velocity include the mass and distance of the larger object, as well as the presence of any external forces, such as air resistance or gravitational pull from other objects.

5. Can orbital velocity change over time?

Yes, orbital velocity can change over time due to various factors, such as changes in the mass or distance of the larger object, or the presence of external forces. It can also be intentionally changed by spacecrafts using thrusters or gravitational assists.

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