A satellite moves in a circular orbit around Earth at a spee

A satellite moves in a circular orbit around Earth at a speed of 4705 m/s.

(a) Determine the satellite\'s altitude above the surface of Earth.
m

(b) Determine the period of the satellite\'s orbit.
h
.

Solution

r = G M / v² = (6.673 * 10^-11 * 5.97 * 10²⁴) / (4705²)

= 1.799 * 10⁷ m

The satellite\'s altitude above the Earth\'s surface is h = r - R

= (1.799 * 10⁷) - (6.378 * 10⁶) = 1.16 * 10⁷ m

The satellite\'s orbital period T = 2 pi r /v

= (2 pi * 1.799 * 10⁷) / 4705

= 24024 sec = 6.67 hrs