Question

An artificial satellite circles the Earth in a circular orbit at a location where the acceleration due to gravity is 6.25 m/s2. Determine the orbital period of the satellite.

Answer 1

Answer:

T = 7101 s = 118.35 mins = 1.9725 hrs

Explanation:

To solve the question, we apply the formula for gravitational acceleration

a = GM/r², where

a = acceleration due to gravity

G = gravitational constant

M = mass of the earth

r = distance between the satellite and center of the earth

Now, if we make r, subject of formula, we have

r = √(GM/a)

Recall also, that

a = v²/r, making v subject of formula

v = √ar

If we substitute the equation of r into it, we have

v =√a * √r

v =√a * √[√(GM/a)]

v = (GM/a)^¼

Again, remember that period,

T = 2πr/v, we already have v and r, allow have to do is substitute them in

T = 2π * √(GM/a) * [1 / (GM/a)^¼]

T = 2π * (GM/a³)^¼

T = 2 * 3.142 * [(6.67*10^-11 * 5.97*10^24) / (6.25³)]^¼

T = 6.284 * [(3.982*10^14) / 244.140]^¼

T = 6.284 * (1.63*10^12)^¼

T = 6.284 * 1130

T = 7101 s

T = 118.35 mins

T = 1.9725 hrs

Answer 2

Answer:

118 minutes( 2 hours approximately )

Explanation:

Here, we are interested in calculating the orbital period of the satellite

Please check attachment for complete solution