Homework Help: Physics Gravitational Force

Posted by Angeline on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 7:06pm.

Geosynchronous satellites orbit the Earth at a distance of 42000km from the Earth's center. Their angular velocity at this height is the same as the rotation of the Earth, so they appear stationary at certain locations in the sky. What is the force acting on a 1500kg satellite at this height?
Hint: recall that force is related to centripetal acceleration.

Physics Gravitational Force - drwls, Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 7:14pm
The velocity is V
= 2 pi*42*10^6 m/(24 h*3600 s/hr)

The distance from the earth's center is R = 42*10^6 m

The centripetal force acting is
F = m a = M V^2/R

and equals the gravitational attraction force.
Physics Gravitational Force - Angeline, Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 7:17pm
thank you so much

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