Centripetal Force and circular motion

In summary, to maintain a circular orbit 352 km above Earth's surface, a 102-kg satellite must travel at a velocity of (F/m) x r = v^2, then square root. The mass is 102 kg and the radius is 3723000m. The force of gravity on the satellite can be calculated using the equation for gravitational force of attraction between two bodies.
  • #1
ferrariistheking
5
0

Homework Statement


Gravity causes a centripetal force that allows satellites to travel around planets.

How fast must a 102-kg satellite travel to maintain a circular orbit 352 km above Earth's surface?

Homework Equations


F=m(v^2/r) -----> (F/m) x r= v^2, then square root

F= force
m=mass
v=velocity
r=radius

The Attempt at a Solution


So basically, I'm solving for v in km/s.

The mass is 102 kg

For radius, I added the radius of the Earth in meters with the circular orbit of 352 km.
6371000m + 352000m= 3723000m which is r.

The problem is that I need to solve for F. Does anyone know how to continue with this problem?
 
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  • #2
What is the gravitational force a 102 kg satellite feels at this height?
 
  • #3
ferrariistheking said:
The problem is that I need to solve for F. Does anyone know how to continue with this problem?
Your answer is in the question. Gravity is the centripetal force. What is the force of gravity on a 102 kg object?
 
  • #4
lekh2003 said:
Your answer is in the question. Gravity is the centripetal force. What is the force of gravity on a 102 kg object?
What is the equation for the gravitational force of attraction between two bodies of mass M and m whose centers are separated by a distance r?
 

FAQ: Centripetal Force and circular motion

What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, always pointing towards the center of the circle. It is required to keep the object moving in a curved path instead of flying off in a straight line.

What are some examples of centripetal force?

Some examples of centripetal force include the tension in a string that keeps a ball moving in a circular motion, the gravitational force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun, and the force of friction that allows cars to safely navigate around a curve.

What is the relationship between centripetal force and circular motion?

The centripetal force needed to keep an object moving in a circular path is directly proportional to the mass and speed of the object, and inversely proportional to the radius of the circular path. In other words, the greater the mass or speed of the object, or the smaller the radius, the greater the centripetal force required.

How is centripetal force different from centrifugal force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts towards the center of a circle, while centrifugal force is the apparent outward force felt by an object moving in a circular path. Centrifugal force is not a true force, but rather a result of inertia and the tendency of objects to continue moving in a straight line.

Can centripetal force be calculated?

Yes, centripetal force can be calculated using the formula Fc = mv^2 / r, where Fc is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the speed, and r is the radius of the circular path. This formula can also be rearranged to solve for any of the variables, depending on what information is given.

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