Velocity needed to maintain orbit

In summary, the Earth satellite in orbit at a distance of 6104 km from the center of the Earth would need to maintain a speed of 4042.06066 m/s. This is calculated using the formula Vt=2piR/T, where T is the time period of the orbit, and the universal gravitational constant and the mass of the Earth are taken into account. However, using the centripetal force formula, the correct speed can be calculated as v=sqrt[GM/(R+h)], where G is the universal gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and h is the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite.
  • #1
BoldKnight399
79
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An Earth satellite remains in orbit at a distance of 6104 km from the center of the Earth. What speed would it have to maintain? The universal gravitational constant is 6.67X10^-11 N m^2/kg^2. The mass of the Earth it 5.88X10^24 kg. Answer in units of m/s.

So again, missed the class. I'm crying. Most of my classmates are crying. (the few exceptions finding everything else to do in the world BUT help...) I tried this:
I knew that it had to go into the equation:
Vt=2piR/T
since I didn't have T i used the equation:
R= [(G x m x T^2)/(4pi)^2]^(1/3)
sooo that became:

6104000m=[(6.67X10^-11)(5.98X10^24kg)(T^2)/(4pi)^2]^(1/3)
(2.274X10^20)= (3.98866X10^14)(T^2)/(4pi)^2
T=9488.369sec
so then plugging back in I got:

Vt=(2pi)(6104000m)/9488.369sec
thus the answer was 4042.06066 m/s

guess what? That was wrong.

If anyone has any ideas where I messed up or if I just had a "100% FAIL" moment, I would love to hear it.
 
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  • #2
Centripetal force on the satellite is
G*M*m/(R+h)^2 = m*v^2/(R+h)
S0 v=sqrt[GM/(R+h)]
Now solve.
 
  • #3
Thank You!
 

FAQ: Velocity needed to maintain orbit

What is the velocity needed to maintain orbit?

The velocity needed to maintain orbit, also known as orbital velocity, is the speed at which an object must travel around a larger body in order to stay in a stable, circular orbit. This velocity is dependent on the mass and distance of the larger body.

How is orbital velocity calculated?

Orbital velocity can be calculated using the formula v = √(G*M/r), where v is the orbital velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the larger body, and r is the distance between the two objects.

Does the velocity needed to maintain orbit vary for different objects?

Yes, the velocity needed to maintain orbit varies for different objects because it is dependent on the mass and distance of the larger body. For example, the orbital velocity of the Moon around Earth is different from the orbital velocity of a satellite around Earth.

What happens if an object's velocity is too low to maintain orbit?

If an object's velocity is too low, it will not have enough centrifugal force to counteract the gravitational force of the larger body, causing it to fall towards the larger body. This is known as a decaying orbit.

Can an object have a velocity higher than the required orbital velocity?

Yes, an object can have a velocity higher than the required orbital velocity. This will result in the object having a more elliptical orbit, with a higher point (apogee) and a lower point (perigee) in its path around the larger body.

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