View Full Version : Gravitation


neelakash
09-27-06, 10:21 AM
To find the radius of a geo-stationary satellite in terms of R_e, we see---

M_s*w^2*R_s=G*M_eM_s/R_s^2 from where using GM_e=g R_e^2,

We get R_s^3=gR_e^2/w^2. w can be evaluated. The problem is because of the fact that
Kleppner provides the soln. R_s=6.6R_e.How, one can get rid of fractional exponent?

Absane
09-27-06, 11:08 AM
What? As far as I can recall, there is no fractional exponent.

neelakash
09-27-06, 11:33 AM
when you directly calculate the R_s from the relation, an exponent of 2/3 appears on R_e

James R
09-27-06, 07:28 PM
Ms w<sup>2</sup> Rs = G Me Ms / Rs<sup>2</sup> ... (1)

G Me = g Re<sup>2</sup> ... (2)

Dividing (2) by Rs<sup>2</sup> gives:

G Me / Rs<sup>2</sup> = g (Re/Rs)<sup>2</sup> ... (3)

Plugging (3) into (1) and dividing by Ms gives:

w<sup>2</sup> Rs = g (Re/Rs)<sup>2</sup> ... (4)

Re-arranging to find Rs, we get:

Rs<sup>3</sup> = g (Re / w)<sup>2</sup>

I assume the question gives you the values of w and g.