Question

A 2400-kg satellite is in a circular orbitaround a planet. The

satellite travels with a constant speedof 6.67x10 3 m/s. What is
the acceleration of the satellite? Determine the magnitude of the
gravitational force exerted on thesatellite by the planet.

Answer 1

given,

mass of satellite = 2400 Kg

speed of the satellite = 6.67 x 10³ m/s

acceleration of satellite = ?

gravitational force of the satellite will be equal to the centripetal force

`F = (mv^2)/(r)`

`F = (2400* (6.67* 10^3)^2)/(r)`

Assuming the radius of circular orbit = 8.92 x 10⁶ m

now,

`F = (2400* (6.67* 10^3)^2)/(8.92* 10^6)`

F = 11970.11 N

acceleration,

`a = (F)/(m)`

`a = (11970.11)/(2400)`

a = 4.98 m/s²