Mechanics: Circular Motion and Gravitation
Circular Motion and Gravitation: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 26:
Geostationary satellites are satellites which are orbiting the Earth above the equator and make one complete orbit every 24 hours. Because their orbital period is synchronized with the Earth's rotational period, a geostationary satellite can always be found in the same position in the sky relative to an observer on Earth. (GIVEN: MEarth = 5.98 x 1024 kg)
a. Determine the orbital radius of a geostationary satellite.
b. Determine the orbital speed of a geostationary satellite.
c. Determine the acceleration of a geostationary satellite.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 61.7 kg, v= 18.5 m/s, R = 30.9 m, Fnorm = ???.
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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Get more information on the topic of Circular Motion and Gravitation at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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