Question about satellite motion?

In summary, the conversation discusses two satellites, X and Y, crossing the night sky at the same time. It is stated that X moves faster than Y and the question is asked which satellite is higher. The answer given is that Satellite Y is higher due to the weaker gravitational attraction acting on it, causing it to move slower than X. However, the conversation continues with a request for an equation for the force and resulting acceleration of a satellite at a given radius, to which the respondent provides the equation F = mv^2/r. The conversation then prompts the respondent to consider what else F is equal to, hinting at further discussion about the topic.
  • #1
Tangeton
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Homework template not used; Member warned.
This is one of the questions in the book without an answer and it is really frustrating that I can't check if my through process is correct.

Two satellites X and Y are seen from the ground crossing the night sky at the same time. Satellite X crosses the sky faster than Y. State with a reason which satellite is higher.

I wrote: Satellite Y as the gravitational attraction doesn't act as much on it so it moves around the Earth slower than X does.

Is my answer correct?
 
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  • #2
Half right. Can you write down an equation for the force and resulting acceleration of a satellite at radius R?
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
Half right. Can you write down an equation for the force and resulting acceleration of a satellite at radius R?

a= v^2/r and F = mv^2/r , where r is the distance from centre of the Earth to the satellite. Where do I go from here?
 
  • #4
Tangeton said:
F = mv^2/r , where r is the distance from centre of the Earth to the satellite.
Since it is in orbit, what else is F equal to?
 
  • #5


It is difficult to determine the accuracy of your answer without more information about the specific scenario and the properties of the satellites. However, in general, your reasoning is correct. The speed at which a satellite orbits the Earth is affected by its distance from the Earth's center of gravity. The farther away a satellite is, the slower it will orbit. So if satellite X is moving faster than satellite Y, it is likely at a lower orbit, closer to the Earth's surface. This means that satellite Y, which is moving slower, is likely at a higher orbit, farther away from the Earth's surface. However, other factors such as the mass and velocity of the satellites also play a role in determining their orbits. It would be helpful to have more information about the scenario in order to provide a more accurate answer.
 

FAQ: Question about satellite motion?

1. What is the difference between geostationary and polar orbit?

Geostationary orbit is when a satellite's orbit is synchronized with the rotation of the Earth, allowing it to appear stationary from a fixed point on the ground. Polar orbit, on the other hand, is when a satellite's path crosses over the Earth's poles, providing global coverage as it orbits.

2. How does a satellite maintain its orbit?

A satellite maintains its orbit through a balance between its forward motion, which keeps it from falling towards Earth, and the pull of Earth's gravity, which keeps it from flying off into space. This is known as orbital velocity.

3. How do satellites communicate with Earth?

Satellites communicate with Earth using radio waves. They have transmitters and receivers that send and receive signals to and from ground stations on Earth. These signals can then be transmitted to other satellites or to specific locations on the ground.

4. What factors can affect a satellite's orbit?

There are several factors that can affect a satellite's orbit, such as atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and gravitational effects from other objects in space. These factors can cause a satellite's orbit to slowly deteriorate over time, so adjustments must be made to maintain the desired orbit.

5. How do scientists predict the motion of satellites?

Scientists use mathematical equations and computer simulations to predict the motion of satellites. They take into account factors such as the satellite's mass, velocity, and the gravitational forces acting on it, as well as any external forces that may affect its orbit.

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