View Full Version : What steps do I follow to solve this physics problem?
logan1992
Oct 13, 2011, 04:09 PM
An 90 kg satellite orbits a distant planet with a radius of 4000 km and a period of 280 min. From the radius and period, you calculate the satellite's acceleration to be 0.56 m/s^2. What is the gravitational force on the satellite?
Unknown008
Oct 14, 2011, 01:29 AM
I'm assuming that 4000 km is the radius of the orbit?
At that instant, the force on the satellite is given by F = ma.
This is your gravitational force.
jcaron2
Oct 14, 2011, 06:52 AM
The gravitational force is causing an acceleration of 0.56m/s^2. The satellite has a mass of 90 kg. All you need are those two pieces of information and Newton's second law (F=ma).
jcaron2
Oct 14, 2011, 06:56 AM
Sorry, Jerry. Once again I missed your answer because the stupid GO skin sometimes shows no answers, even though you had actually answered hours earlier.
Unknown008
Oct 14, 2011, 06:59 AM
It's okay, I know the frustration :)
And the owners still don't want to admit that Go is not as good as it appears.
logan1992
Oct 14, 2011, 12:42 PM
Thank you so much!