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Mechanics: Circular Motion and Gravitation

Circular Motion and Gravitation: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set CG15, Question​ 3:

A satellite with a mass of 427 kg is in circular orbit about the Earth at a height above the Earth equal to 0.950 times the mean radius of the earth. (Rearth = 6.38x106 m).  Determine the …
a.  … distance of the satellite from Earth's center (in m)
b.  … the satellite's orbital speed.
c.  … the satellite's orbital period (in minutes).
d.  … the gravitational force (in Newtons) acting upon the satellite.




 

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 61.7 kg, v= 18.5 m/s, R = 30.9 m, Fnorm = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.


 

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