Communication satellites are used to bounce radio waves from the earth’s surface to send messages around the curvature of the earth. In order to be available all the time, they must remain above the same point on the earth’s surface and must move in a circle above the equator. a) How long must it take for a communication satellite to make one complete orbit around the earth? b) Make a free-body diagram of the satellite in orbit. c) Apply Newton’s second law to the satellite and find its altitude above the earth’s surface d) Draw the orbit of a communication satellite to scale on a sketch of the earth.
Gravitational force
In nature, every object is attracted by every other object. This phenomenon is called gravity. The force associated with gravity is called gravitational force. The gravitational force is the weakest force that exists in nature. The gravitational force is always attractive.
Acceleration Due to Gravity
In fundamental physics, gravity or gravitational force is the universal attractive force acting between all the matters that exist or exhibit. It is the weakest known force. Therefore no internal changes in an object occurs due to this force. On the other hand, it has control over the trajectories of bodies in the solar system and in the universe due to its vast scope and universal action. The free fall of objects on Earth and the motions of celestial bodies, according to Newton, are both determined by the same force. It was Newton who put forward that the moon is held by a strong attractive force exerted by the Earth which makes it revolve in a straight line. He was sure that this force is similar to the downward force which Earth exerts on all the objects on it.
Communication satellites are used to bounce radio waves from the earth’s surface to send messages around the curvature of the earth. In order to be available all the time, they must remain above the same point on the earth’s surface and must move in a circle above the equator.
a) How long must it take for a communication satellite to make one complete orbit around the earth? b) Make a free-body diagram of the satellite in orbit.
c) Apply Newton’s second law to the satellite and find its altitude above the earth’s surface
d) Draw the orbit of a communication satellite to scale on a sketch of the earth.
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