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Communications satellites are placed in circular orbits
Chapter 8, Problem 29P(choose chapter or problem)
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Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Communications satellites are placed in circular orbits where they stay directly over a fixed point on the equator as the earth rotates. These are called geosynchronous orbits. The altitude of a geosynchronous orbit is \(3.58 \times 10^{7} \mathrm{~m}\) ( \(\approx 22,000\) miles).
a. What is the period of a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?
b. Find the value of \(g\) at this altitude.
c. What is the weight of a \(2000 \mathrm{~kg}\) satellite in a geosynchronous orbit?
ANSWER:
Step 1 of 3
Part a
A geosynchronous satellite takes 24 hours to orbit once around the Earth. This is the same as the Earth takes to complete one rotation about its axis.
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