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View Full Version : Please tell me step by step how to solve the following physics question.


logan1992
Oct 13, 2011, 04:07 PM
A 320 kg satellite experiences a gravitational force of 800 N. What is the radius of the satellite's orgit? (Earth's radius is 6,400 km)

Unknown008
Oct 13, 2011, 10:50 PM
Use the equation for gravitational force? This directly gives you the radius you need after some work:

F_g = \frac{GMm}{r^2}

Substitute in the values that you've got. You should be given the universal gravitational constant G and the mass of the Earth (or the density and use the radius of the Earth to get an estimated mass). Then, solve for r. :)

Be careful with the units though!

logan1992
Oct 14, 2011, 12:44 PM
Thank you.