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A centripetal force of 185 n acts on a 1,750-kg satellite moving with a speed of 4,600 m/s in a circular orbit around a planet. what is the radius of its orbit? in meters

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Final answer:

To find the radius of the orbit, we use Newton's second law for circular motion. After rearranging the formula and plugging in the given values of mass, velocity, and centripetal force, the calculated radius of the orbit is approximately 2.15 x 10^8 meters.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the radius of the orbit for a satellite experiencing a centripetal force, we can use Newton's second law for circular motion, which relates centripetal force (Fc), mass (m), velocity (v), and the radius (r) of the circular path:

Centripetal force is given by the equation Fc = m * v^2 / r.

We can rearrange this equation to solve for the radius (r):

r = m * v^2 / Fc

Now, plug in the given values:

r = (1750 kg * (4600 m/s)^2) / 185 N

After calculating, we find that the radius of the orbit is approximately 2.15 x 10^8 meters.

User Sunil Chaudhary
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