How fast are geostationary satellites moving?

From a Newtonian perspective, the equation for the speed of a satellite in circular orbit around the Earth at a radius r can be derived by equating centripetal acceleration to the acceleration due to gravity so that the speed v is the square root of the gravitational constant times the mass of Earth, divided by r. This v depends on the r, but the radius of an object in geostationary circular orbit around Earth can be determined by substituting 'two times pi, divided by the period' for the speed. Since the period of Earth's rotation, along with its mass are all known values, you can find the radius and plug that into your first equation to solve for the speed.

Answered by Angus L. Physics tutor

3271 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain what terminal velocity means.


Why do we say that objects moving in a circle have acceleration even if their speed remains constant?


What's the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions ?


What is the importance of the resultant force in a free-fall question?


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences