How Do You Calculate the Orbital Period of a Satellite?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the orbital speed and period of a satellite orbiting 225 km above the Earth's surface. The equation Te^2/ Re^3 = Ts^2/ Rs^3 is mentioned, and the question of whether to use hours or seconds for time is raised. The conversation also touches on finding the satellite's radius and the use of significant figures. The conversation concludes with a determination of the speed (7761 m/s) and a question about the circumference of the orbit.
  • #1
Havenater23
38
0

Homework Statement


If the space station orbits the Earth 225 km above the surface , what are the satellites orbital speed and period ? The mass of the Earth is 5.97 E24 kg and the radius is 6.38 E6 m.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I already have the speed ( v ) , I just don't understand how to find the orbital period

Te^2/ Re^3 = Ts^2/ Rs^3

I know the Earth's radius and orbital, but do I put the t in hours or seconds ?
How do I find the satellites radius ?
If anyone could help it would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Havenater23 said:
I already have the speed ( v ) , I just don't understand how to find the orbital period

Te^2/ Re^3 = Ts^2/ Rs^3

I know the Earth's radius and orbital, but do I put the t in hours or seconds ?

Just use the correct significant figures for either.

What's Te?

How do I find the satellites radius ?
? How did you find the speed without the orbital radius? You said you had the orbital radius. :confused:

Maybe you should show your work so far.
 
  • #3
Well I got the orbital radius by take the 225km + 6.38 * 10^6 m .
Converting 225 km to m. I used that as the R in the problem to find the speed.
 
  • #4
Havenater23 said:
Well I got the orbital radius by take the 225km + 6.38 * 10^6 m .
Converting 225 km to m. I used that as the R in the problem to find the speed.

I'm confused then. Apparently you have the orbital radius, yet you asked how to find it.

Well, moving on. What did you determine the speed to be?
 
  • #5
Like 7761 m/s
 
  • #6
Okay, you have a speed. What is the circumference of the orbit?
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Orbital Period of a Satellite?

How do satellites stay in orbit?

Satellites stay in orbit due to a balance between their speed and the gravitational pull of the Earth. They are launched at a high enough speed to counteract the Earth's gravitational pull and continue circling the planet.

How is the altitude of a satellite calculated?

The altitude of a satellite is calculated using the formula h = R + d, where h is the altitude, R is the radius of the Earth, and d is the distance between the satellite and the Earth's surface.

What is the difference between geostationary and polar orbit satellites?

Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at the same speed and direction as the Earth's rotation, appearing to be stationary from the ground. Polar orbit satellites pass over the poles and cover the entire surface of the Earth as it rotates.

How is the speed of a satellite calculated?

The speed of a satellite is calculated using the formula v = √(GM/R), where v is the speed, 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.

How does the orbit of a satellite affect its communication capabilities?

The orbit of a satellite can affect its communication capabilities by determining its coverage area and the time it spends over certain locations. Geostationary satellites have a fixed coverage area, while polar orbit satellites provide global coverage but have shorter contact times with specific locations.

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