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

3694 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A baby in a bouncer bounces up and down with a period of 1.2s and amplitude of 90mm. Calculate the baby's maximum velocity.


A car accelerates (at a constant acceleration) from a velocity of 25m/s to 34m/s in 6s. Calculate the cars acceleration.


What is the momentum of a 84 kg man running at 5 m/s?


A boy with a mass of 50kg is sitting on a seesaw. He is sitting 2m from the pivot. He has a friend who weighs 40kg, how far away from the pivot must she sit to balance the seesaw? (gravitational accelleration (g) = 10m/s2)


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning