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IP Space Shuttle Orbit On a typical mission, the space
Chapter 12, Problem 89GP(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 89GP
IP Space Shuttle Orbit On a typical mission, the space shuttle (m = 2.00 × 106 kg) orbits at an altitude of 250 km above the Earth's surface. (a) Does the orbital speed of the shuttle depend on its mass? Explain. (b) Find the speed of the shuttle in its orbit. (c) How long does it take for the shuttle to complete one orbit of the Earth?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 89GP
IP Space Shuttle Orbit On a typical mission, the space shuttle (m = 2.00 × 106 kg) orbits at an altitude of 250 km above the Earth's surface. (a) Does the orbital speed of the shuttle depend on its mass? Explain. (b) Find the speed of the shuttle in its orbit. (c) How long does it take for the shuttle to complete one orbit of the Earth?
ANSWER:
Solution 89 GP
a.)
Step 1 of 3
We have to find whether the orbital speed of the shuttle depends on its mass.
The orbital speed of the space shuttle orbiting at an altitude of 250 km above the Earth's surface is given by the expression,
where,
Universal gravitational constant
Mass of the Earth in kg
Radius of the Earth in m
altitude at which the shuttle orbits in m
It can be seen from the above relation that the orbital velocity of the shuttle is independent of its mass.
Therefore, the orbital speed of the shuttle does not depend on its mass.
b.)