Gravitation, orbit, escape velocity
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- Satellite in geostationary orbit of the Earth
A 465 kg satellite is in geostationary orbit around the Earth.
- What is the radius of its circular orbit? What is its altitude?
- What is the satellite's speed?
- What is the gravitational potential energy of the satellite when it is still attached to its launch rocket at the Earth's surface? What is the potential energy in orbit?
- Concept: what is the difference between and ? Why is one positive and one negative?
- What is the total mechanical energy of the satellite once it is in orbit?
- Concept: which of the following sets of energies could represent the kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and total mechanical energy of a satellite in a stable circular orbit? (Proof: for an object in stable circular orbit, )
a)
b)
c)
d)
- How much work must be done on the satellite to launch it into geostationary orbit?
- What speed does the satellite need at the surface of the Earth from its launch to reach the geostationary orbit?
- In orbit, how much additional energy does the satellite need to escape the Earth's gravity?
- What is the escape velocity from the surface of the Earth?