Question

Calculate a 450,000 kg satellite in a circular orbit around the earth at a height of 413,000 meters above the surface of earth.

a) Name all the forces acting on the satellite
b) Calculate the force acting on the satellite (would I use the same equation)
c) The satellite is moving in a circle. What is the amount of centripetal force acting on it?
d) Use answer (c) to determine the speed of the satellite.
e) Use your answer (d) to determine the period of the satellite.


Last thing I wasnt here for when we did this during class, so I'm absolutely clueless :p, much help appreciated!

Answer 1

@JoannaBlackwelder

Answer 2

The only force on a satellite is the gravitational force. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/circles/U6L4b.cfm

Answer 3

And yes, you would use the same equation.

Answer 4

Ok thanks also I know the first two now, but how would you do c,d, and e?

Answer 5

\[F _{c}=ma _{c}\]

Answer 6

We have the centripetal force and mass. :-)

Answer 7

\[a _{c}=\frac{ v ^{2} }{ r }\]

Answer 8

\[v=\frac{ 2 \pi r }{ T }\]

Answer 9

Got all that?

Answer 10

Yea, but what do you mean we have the centripetal force? I got the equations down, besides the period one, whats equation to find period?

Answer 11

The centripetal force is the force of gravitation from the earth.

Answer 12

The equation to find period is the last one I gave (period is T)

Answer 13

By the way, this is a really helpful resource: http://www.erikthered.com/tutor/facts-and-formulas-3-ref.pdf

Answer 14

Omg, thank you very very much for the helpful tips that I can now use to figure it out, and I really appreciate providing me that resource, I'll definitely use it!

Answer 15

You are very welcome! :-)