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.

AL
Answered by Angus L. Physics tutor

3977 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

On a see-saw Mary, weight 600N balances John, weight 200N when she sits 1.5m away from the pivot. How far from the pivot is John?


Circut is arranged in a loop, with resistor (5 ohm), power source(2V), resistor (3 ohm), and another power source (3V) connected subsequently. What is the voltage on 5ohm resistor?


How might an uncharged object become positively charged? (e.g. AQA Higher specimen paper 1)


How does conduction work in metals?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning