Solve Relativity Q: Speed of a Satellite & GPS Implications

  • Thread starter madorangepand
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Relativity
In summary, the speed of a satellite in orbit around the Earth depends on its altitude and the mass of the Earth, with an average speed of 17,500 miles per hour. This speed is crucial in maintaining a stable orbit and can be changed by adjusting altitude or applying a force. The speed of a satellite also impacts the accuracy of GPS systems due to time dilation according to Einstein's theory of relativity.
  • #1
madorangepand
5
0
A space shuttle is in orbit traveling with velocity v with respect to the Earth, along the x direction. The crew launch a satellite forward with velocity u in their own rest frame. The speed of the satellite relative to the Earth is w. A beacon on the satellite emits photons of wavelength [tex]\lambda[/tex] in all directions in the satellite rest frame.

i) Define the z axis as the axis joining the photon to the Earth, i.e perpendicular to its velocity in the rest frame of the satellite. Give an expression in terms of w and [tex]\lambda0[/tex] for
1. the wavelength [tex]\lambda1[/tex], of a photon emitted along the x axis

2. the wavelength [tex]\lambda2[/tex], of a photon emitted along the z axis

as seen by an observer stationary with respect to the Earth.ii)A realistic value for w is v=30m/s. comment on the values of [tex]\lambda1[/tex] and [tex]\lambda2[/tex] in this case, and on the implications of your answer for GPS satellites which emit a signal at a particular frequency.

iii)Write down the equation for time dilation, and comment on the effect on a clock on the satellite which has to stay in time with one on the Earth.

iv)Wrtie down the four-vector momentum, p, of a photon which is emitted along the x direction, in terms of [tex]\lambda0[/tex]

Give a matrix equation for the four-vector momentum, p', of this photon in the rest frame of the Earth, in terms of u, v and p.

Use this equation to show that the velocity, w, of the satellite in the rest frame of the Earth is given by

[tex]w=\frac{u+v}{1+\frac{uv}{c^2}}[/tex]

ii) and iii) I can do with ease (they are the easy bits after all)

I can't even seem to start parts i) or iv)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
though. Any help would be great.i) 1. The wavelength of a photon emitted along the x axis, as seen by an observer stationary with respect to the Earth, is \lambda1 = \lambda_0/\gamma, where \gamma = (1 - v^2/c^2)^(-1/2) is the Lorentz factor.2. The wavelength of a photon emitted along the z axis, as seen by an observer stationary with respect to the Earth, is \lambda2 = \lambda_0/\gamma w/c, where \gamma = (1 - v^2/c^2)^(-1/2) is the Lorentz factor and w is the velocity of the satellite relative to the Earth.ii) A realistic value for w is v = 30 m/s. In this case, \lambda1 = \lambda0/(1 - 0.001)^(-1/2) and \lambda2 = \lambda0/(1 - 0.001)^(-1/2) * 0.03. This implies that the wavelength of a photon emitted along the x axis is longer than that of a photon emitted along the z axis. This has implications for GPS satellites which emit a signal at a particular frequency, as the signal will appear to be shifted in frequency when viewed from Earth due to the Doppler effect.iv) The four-vector momentum, p, of a photon which is emitted along the x direction, in terms of \lambda0, is p = (h/\lambda_0, 0, 0, c).The four-vector momentum, p', of this photon in the rest frame of the Earth, in terms of u, v and p, is given byp' = \gamma(c(u + v), p_x, p_y, c(u + v))where \gamma = (1 - v^2/c^2)^(-1/2).Solving for w, we havew = \frac{u + v}{1 + \frac{uv}{c^2}}.
 

Related to Solve Relativity Q: Speed of a Satellite & GPS Implications

1. What is the speed of a satellite?

The speed of a satellite in orbit around the Earth depends on its altitude and the mass of the Earth. On average, a satellite in low Earth orbit travels at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour).

2. Does the speed of a satellite affect its position in orbit?

Yes, the speed of a satellite is crucial in maintaining its orbit. If the satellite's speed decreases, it will begin to fall towards Earth, and if its speed increases, it will move away from Earth. For a satellite to maintain a stable orbit, it must have the perfect balance of speed and gravitational pull.

3. How does the speed of a satellite impact GPS?

The speed of a satellite is crucial for the accuracy of GPS. The satellites used in GPS systems are constantly moving at high speeds, which causes time dilation according to Einstein's theory of relativity. This time dilation must be taken into account for the GPS system to work accurately.

4. Can the speed of a satellite be changed?

Yes, the speed of a satellite can be changed by adjusting its altitude or by applying a force to it. For example, rockets are often used to launch satellites into orbit and to make adjustments to their speed and position.

5. How does relativity affect the speed of a satellite?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the faster an object moves, the slower time passes for it. This means that the high speeds at which satellites orbit the Earth cause a difference in the passage of time compared to objects on the Earth's surface. This time dilation must be accounted for to ensure the accuracy of GPS systems.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
787
Replies
10
Views
1K
Back
Top