Question

The Space Shuttle orbits 300 km above Earth's surface; Earth's radius is 6,400 km.What is the gravitational acceleration experienced by the Space Shuttle?

Answer 1

The gravitational acceleration experienced by the Space Shuttle is
`8.87\ m/s^2`

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

The space Shuttle orbits 300 km above Earth's surface, h = 300 km

We need to find the gravitational acceleration experienced by the Space Shuttle. The formula of gravitational acceleration is given by :

`g=(GM)/(R^2)`

M is mass of earth

R is radius of earth+height above earth's surface

`g=(6.67* 10^(-11)* 5.972* 10^(24))/((6400000+300000)^2)\\\\g=8.87\ m/s^2`

So, the gravitational acceleration experienced by the Space Shuttle is
`8.87\ m/s^2`.