Period of Orbit Homework: Calculating Satellite Revolution Time

In summary, the period of revolution (in minutes) of a satellite orbiting Earth at 161000 m can be calculated using the equation T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM), where T represents the period, r is the distance from the center of the Earth, and G and M are the gravitational constant and the mass of the Earth, respectively. It is important to ensure that all values are entered correctly in order to get an accurate result.
  • #1
Oijl
113
0

Homework Statement


What is the period of revolution (in minutes) of a satellite orbiting Earth at 161000 m?

Homework Equations


T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM)


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I plugged in the values, and got T = 5250.925844, but that's not right. T, would come out as seconds, right?
 
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  • #2
dividing your answer by 60 won't get the right solution? cause your T is in seconds..
in r you wrote (Re+161000) right?
 
  • #3
K, I'm good with this now. Garbage in, garbage out; I was using bad numbers (over and over again).
 
  • #4
Lol, happens all the time, My friend saved the mass and radius of the Earth in his calculator storage, and accidentally used mass for radius and radius for mass :D
well good luck any way,glad You made it.
 
  • #5
T^2 = (4*pi*r^3)/(GM)

Should pi be squared in this equation?
 
  • #6
3.211k said:
Should pi be squared in this equation?

Yes.
 

FAQ: Period of Orbit Homework: Calculating Satellite Revolution Time

How do I calculate the revolution time of a satellite?

To calculate the revolution time of a satellite, you need to know its orbital period, which is the time it takes to complete one full orbit around the Earth. You can then use the following formula: revolution time = 24 hours / orbital period. For example, if the orbital period is 90 minutes, the revolution time would be approximately 0.267 hours or 16.02 minutes.

What is the difference between orbital period and revolution time?

Orbital period refers to the time it takes for a satellite to complete one full orbit around the Earth. On the other hand, revolution time refers to the amount of time it takes for a satellite to make one full rotation on its axis. While orbital period is measured in hours or days, revolution time is typically measured in minutes or seconds.

Can I calculate the revolution time of a satellite using its altitude?

No, you cannot calculate the revolution time of a satellite using its altitude alone. The revolution time is dependent on both the orbital period and the rotation speed of the satellite. However, altitude can affect the orbital period, which in turn affects the revolution time. The higher the altitude of a satellite, the longer its orbital period and revolution time will be.

How does the mass of a satellite affect its revolution time?

The mass of a satellite does not directly affect its revolution time. However, a heavier satellite may require more fuel to maintain its orbit, which can affect its orbital period and revolution time. Additionally, the mass of a satellite can also affect the gravitational forces acting on it, which can indirectly impact its revolution time.

Is there a standard revolution time for all satellites?

No, there is no standard revolution time for all satellites. The revolution time of a satellite is dependent on its orbital period, which can vary depending on the altitude, velocity, and other factors. Some satellites may have a revolution time of just a few minutes, while others may take several hours or even days to complete one revolution.

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