Question

What is the force of gravity on a 700 kg satellite that orbits the Earth at an altitude of 200,000 m?

a) 1,400 N
b) 4,200 N
c) 6,200 N
d) 9,800 N

Answer 1

The force of gravity on the 700 Kg satellite that orbits the Earth at an altitude of 200000 m, is 6200 N (option C)

How to calculate the force of gravity on the satellite?

The force of gravity on the 700 Kg satellite that orbits the Earth at an altitude of 200000 m can be calculated as shown below:

• Mass of earth (M₁) = 5.8×10²⁴ Kg
• Mass of satellite (M₂) = 700 Kg
• Radius of the earth (R) = 6400000 m
• Altitude of satellite (a) = 200000 m
• Distance apart (r) = R + a = 6400000 + 200000 = 6600000 m
• Gravitational constant (G) = 6.67×10¯¹¹ Nm²/Kg²
• Force of gravity on satellite (F) =?

`F = G(M_1M_2)/(r^2) \\\\F =\ 6.67*10^(-11)\ *\ (5.8*10^(24)\ *\ 700)/(6600000^2)\\\\F \approx 6200\ N`

Thus, the correct answer is option C