Question

12. A satellite is put into an orbit at a distance from the center of the Earth equal to twice the distance from the center of the Earth to the surface. If the satellite had a weight at the surface of 4000 N, what is the force of gravity (weight) of the satellite when it is in its orbit? Give your answer in newtons, N.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

F = GmM/d²

As gravity force is proportional to the inverse of the square of the distance,

doubling the distance will reduce the weight to a forth.

F' = GmM/(2d)²

F' = ¼GmM/d²

F' = ¼F = ¼(4000)

F' = 1000 N