A satellite would have a mass of 195 kg on the surface of Ma

A satellite would have a mass of 195 kg on the surface of Mars. Determine the weight of the satellite in pounds if it is in orbit 15,000 miles above the surface of the Earth.

Solution

Force on the satellite :

F = G*M*m/r^2

M = mass of the earth = 6*10^24 kg

m = mass of satellite = 195 kg

r = radius of earth + 15000 miles

= 6371 + 15000*1.61 km

=30521 km

= 3.0521*10^7 m

So, F = 6.67*10^-11*(6*10^24)*195/(3.0521*10^7)^2

= 83.8 N <---------answer