Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the weight of a satellite on the Earth's surface, the mass of the satellite (340 kg) and the gravitational acceleration (approximately 9.81 m/s²) are used, resulting in a weight of about 3,340 N or 3.34 kN. For the gravitational force on the satellite in orbit, the formula Fg = G(m1*m2)/r² is applied, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 is the satellite's mass, and m2 is the Earth's mass. The correct distance for the calculation should be the radius of the orbit minus the Earth's radius, leading to a gravitational force of approximately 294.4 N or 0.2944 kN. It is important to ensure the distance used in the formula reflects the separation from the center of the Earth. Accurate calculations are crucial for understanding the gravitational interactions between the satellite and the Earth.
SoccaCrazy24
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
A communications satellite with a mass of 340 kg is in a circular orbit about the Earth. The radius of the orbit is 27800 km as measured from the center of the Earth.
(a) Calculate the weight of the satellite on the surface of the Earth.
(b) Calculate the gravitational force exerted on the satellite by the Earth when it is in orbit.

Well here are some information needed for the problem...
Mass of Earth = 5.97x10^24 kg
Radius of Earth = 6,356,908.8 m

I already have a...
But for b.. I used the equation Fg= G(m1*m2)/r^2
so... Fg = (6.67x10^-11 * 340 * 5.97^24)/(27800000-6356908.8)^2 = 294.4 N is this right? because it asks for it in kN which is .2944 kN did i do something wrong somewhere because somehow that isn't right...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The distance in Newton's Law of Gravitation is from the center of mass of the two objects involved. In this case, it'll be essentially from the center of the Earth, not from the surface.
 
thanks diane...
 
Thread 'Minimum mass of a block'

Thread 'Minimum mass of a block'

Here we know that if block B is going to move up or just be at the verge of moving up ##Mg \sin \theta ## will act downwards and maximum static friction will act downwards ## \mu Mg \cos \theta ## Now what im confused by is how will we know " how quickly" block B reaches its maximum static friction value without any numbers, the suggested solution says that when block A is at its maximum extension, then block B will start to move up but with a certain set of values couldn't block A reach...
View full post »
Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'

Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'

Figure 1 Overall Structure Diagram Figure 2: Top view of the piston when it is cylindrical A circular opening is created at a height of 5 meters above the water surface. Inside this opening is a sleeve-type piston with a cross-sectional area of 1 square meter. The piston is pulled to the right at a constant speed. The pulling force is（Figure 2）： F = ρshg = 1000 × 1 × 5 × 10 = 50,000 N. Figure 3: Modifying the structure to incorporate a fixed internal piston When I modify the piston...
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the Correct Radius and Mass of Earth for Satellite Orbit Calculations?
Replies
1
Views
2K
When do I include the Earth's radius in questions involving satellites?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
Replies
5
Views
2K
How much work is done when a satellite is launched into orbit?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Gravitational potential energy traveling from earth to mars
Replies
7
Views
3K
The Height and Speed of a Geosynchronous Satellite
Replies
11
Views
2K
Calculating Energy for Satellite Orbit at 300km | Physics Homework Help
Replies
37
Views
3K
Altitude of Satellites above the Surface of the Earth
Replies
26
Views
7K
Centripetal Acceleration of Satellite
Replies
7
Views
2K
A 1 500kg satellite is in orbit 250km above earth's surface.
Replies
14
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top