Math Problem Statement

A satellite is rotating around the earth at 27,934 kilometers per minute at an altitude of 242 km above the earth. If the radius of the earth is 6,378 kilometers, find the angular velocity of the satellite.

Solution

The problem states:

"A satellite is rotating around the earth at 27,934 kilometers per minute at an altitude of 242 km above the earth. If the radius of the earth is 6,378 kilometers, find the angular velocity of the satellite."

We can solve this using the following relationships:

  1. Linear velocity formula: v=rωv = r \omega where vv is the linear velocity, rr is the radius of the orbit (including Earth's radius and altitude), and ω\omega is the angular velocity.

  2. The radius of the satellite’s orbit is the sum of the Earth’s radius and the altitude of the satellite: r=6378km+242km=6620kmr = 6378 \, \text{km} + 242 \, \text{km} = 6620 \, \text{km}

  3. Rearranging the linear velocity equation to solve for angular velocity: ω=vr\omega = \frac{v}{r}

Let's calculate the angular velocity ω\omega.The angular velocity of the satellite is approximately 4.22radians per minute4.22 \, \text{radians per minute}.

Would you like more details or have any questions about the solution?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How would the angular velocity change if the satellite's altitude increased?
  2. What is the significance of angular velocity in satellite orbits?
  3. How can you convert angular velocity from radians per minute to radians per second?
  4. How would the angular velocity change if the satellite's speed increased?
  5. How does angular velocity relate to the period of a satellite's orbit?

Tip: Always ensure units are consistent when performing calculations, especially in physics problems involving distances and velocities.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Angular Velocity
Linear Velocity
Orbital Mechanics

Formulas

v = r * ω
ω = v / r

Theorems

Newton's Law of Gravitation (related to orbital mechanics)

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12