Math Problem Statement

A satellite is put into orbit above the Earth (the mass of the Earth is equal to 5.97 * 10^24 kg). It is released at a height of 35,000 km above the Earth's surface. When it is released it is traveling at 3100 m/s. Would the satellite have a stable orbit?

Solution

To determine if the satellite has a stable orbit, we must check if its orbital velocity is sufficient to balance the gravitational force at the given height. Here's how to analyze this step-by-step:


1. Gravitational Force and Required Orbital Velocity

The velocity required for a stable circular orbit is given by:

vorbit=GMrv_\text{orbit} = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}

Where:

  • GG is the gravitational constant, 6.674×1011m3kg1s26.674 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{m}^3\text{kg}^{-1}\text{s}^{-2},
  • MM is the mass of the Earth, 5.97×1024kg5.97 \times 10^{24} \, \text{kg},
  • rr is the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite.

2. Calculate rr (Distance from the Center of the Earth)

The satellite is released at a height of 35,000km35,000 \, \text{km} above the Earth's surface. Adding the Earth's radius (REarth=6,371kmR_\text{Earth} = 6,371 \, \text{km}):

r=REarth+h=6,371km+35,000km=41,371km=41,371,000mr = R_\text{Earth} + h = 6,371 \, \text{km} + 35,000 \, \text{km} = 41,371 \, \text{km} = 41,371,000 \, \text{m}


3. Calculate the Required Orbital Velocity

Substitute GG, MM, and rr into the orbital velocity formula:

vorbit=(6.674×1011)(5.97×1024)41,371,000v_\text{orbit} = \sqrt{\frac{(6.674 \times 10^{-11})(5.97 \times 10^{24})}{41,371,000}}

Simplify step by step:

vorbit=3.986×101441,371,000=9.64×106m/sv_\text{orbit} = \sqrt{\frac{3.986 \times 10^{14}}{41,371,000}} = \sqrt{9.64 \times 10^6} \, \text{m/s}

vorbit3105m/sv_\text{orbit} \approx 3105 \, \text{m/s}


4. Compare Given Velocity to Required Velocity

The satellite is released at 3100m/s3100 \, \text{m/s}, which is slightly less than 3105m/s3105 \, \text{m/s}. Since the velocity is insufficient:

  • The satellite will not maintain a stable orbit.
  • Instead, it will spiral downward unless corrective action is taken to increase its velocity.

Conclusion

The satellite does not have a stable orbit at 3100m/s3100 \, \text{m/s}, as the required orbital velocity at 35,000km35,000 \, \text{km} altitude is 3105m/s3105 \, \text{m/s}. A small adjustment to the satellite's velocity would stabilize its orbit.


Would you like detailed calculations for energy considerations or further explanations?
Here are 5 follow-up questions for deeper understanding:

  1. What factors influence the stability of an orbit besides velocity?
  2. How does elliptical motion differ from circular orbital motion?
  3. What happens if the satellite's speed is greater than vorbitv_\text{orbit}?
  4. How does Earth's atmosphere affect low-altitude satellites?
  5. How would the satellite's orbit change if it were launched at a different altitude?

Tip: Always ensure to consider both altitude and velocity when evaluating orbital stability.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Gravitational Force
Orbital Mechanics
Circular Motion

Formulas

v_orbit = sqrt(GM/r)
r = R_Earth + h

Theorems

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Centripetal Force Equilibrium

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12