Gravity and Satellite Equations

In summary, the conversation is about a student preparing for an exam and asking for help with equations related to gravity and satellites. They have already derived some equations and are looking for more modifications to add to their notes sheet. The other person suggests practicing combining and solving equations rather than just memorizing them. However, the student is allowed to bring a notes sheet into the exam and is not confident in deriving equations on their own. The conversation then moves on to discussing equations related to orbiting satellites and how to solve for different variables such as T and M.
  • #1
robostar
3
0
This isn't quite a question, I've got an exam coming up and I'm compiling a notes sheet I've found gravity and satellites troubling, I know most of the general equations, but I was wondering if I could get a set of equations which have been modified to find each measure...

So far I've got Mass? =
(4(pie)^2)*(R^3)
___________
(T^2) * G
Period?
T = 2(pie)R
_____
v
T^2 = (4(pie)^2) * R^3
____________
G Constant * Mass

Has anyone got anymore modifications that I can put on my notes sheet?
 
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  • #2
You're trying to memorize all modifications of the same equation? Why don't you just practice combining and solving them for the variable you're interested in? Memorizing will make you forget shortly after your exam, deriving them yourself from the base principles that is [itex]F_{centripital}=F_{gravity}[/itex] will last a life time!
 
  • #3
Nah, we are aloud to bring in a A4 sheet of notes into our exam, and since I'm not very good at deriving equations, I just wanted someone to give me a basic list of equations which would make it easier for me in my exam.
 
  • #4
Well in that case perhaps we should derive a few. For an orbiting satellite the centripetal force is provided by gravity, therefore [itex]F_{centripital}=F_{gravity}[/itex]. [itex] F_{centripital}=m \omega^2 r=m v^2/r[/itex] and [itex]\omega= 2 \pi f=2 \pi /T =v/r[/itex].[itex]F_{gravity}=GmM/r^2[/itex].

Therefore the equations to solve are:
[tex]m\omega^2 r=\frac{GmM}{r^2}[/tex]

and

[tex]m \frac{v^2}{r}=\frac{GmM}{r^2}[/tex]

So far you have solved them for T and M, correctly. If you want all possible combinations you will have to solve them for [itex]v,f,r, \omega[/itex] as well. Try to start with v.
 

FAQ: Gravity and Satellite Equations

What is the equation for calculating gravitational force between two objects?

The equation for calculating gravitational force between two objects is F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them.

How is satellite velocity related to Earth's gravitational pull?

The velocity of a satellite is directly related to Earth's gravitational pull. The higher the gravitational pull, the faster the satellite needs to move to maintain its orbit. This is described by the equation v = √(G * M / r), where v is the velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the distance between the satellite and the center of the Earth.

What is the difference between geostationary and polar orbit satellites?

Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at the same rate that the Earth rotates, so they appear stationary from the ground. Polar orbit satellites, on the other hand, orbit the Earth at a high inclination angle and cross over the north and south poles, providing global coverage.

How does gravity affect the trajectory of a satellite?

Gravity plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory of a satellite. The gravitational pull of the Earth causes the satellite to continuously fall towards the Earth, but its forward momentum keeps it in orbit. The shape of the orbit is determined by the balance between these two forces.

What are the factors that affect the orbit of a satellite?

The orbit of a satellite is affected by several factors, including the mass of the Earth, the mass of the satellite, the distance between the Earth and the satellite, and any external forces acting on the satellite, such as atmospheric drag or gravitational pull from other celestial bodies.

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