An object orbits Earth at an altitude of 200 kilometers above the planet’s surface. What is its speed and orbital period?

To begin with, we need to draw a graph with all of the forces acting on a body.

From that, we can see that the net force Fnet = Fg - Fc , where Fg is gravitational force and Fc is centripetal force acting on a body.

Due to the fact, that the object is in a stable orbit around the Earth, Fnet = 0 N and Fg = Fc -> GmM/(R+h)^2=mv^2/(R+h) -> GM/(R+h)=v^2 and v = (GM/(R+h))^0.5

Inserting values for Earth’s mass (M=5.972×10^24 kg) , and radius (R=6 371 km), we get that v=7785.9 m/s

To find the orbital period, we use the formula T = 2 * pi * (R+h) / v = 5302.8 s

Answered by Domas A. Physics tutor

1980 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the angular speed of a car wheel of diameter 0.400m when the speed of the car is 108km/h?


How does a capacitor work and how do I treat it in a circuit?


How does the photoelectric effect (gold leaf experiment) demonstrate the particle nature of light?


What's the difference between inertial and gravitational mass?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences