Imagine you are an astronaut in a circular orbit around the Earth. Let's say you have a mass of 100 kg. You are orbiting at a radial distance of 10,000 km (10° km, or 10' m) from the center of the Earth (Radius of Earth is 6400 km (6.4 x 10° km, or 6.4 x 10 m), so you are 3600 km above the surface). It takes you two hours and 45 minutes to complete each orbit. 7. What is the acceleration of gravity at your location (in m/s)? (Hint: "G*M" for Earth = 4 x 1014) 8. What was your weight (in Newtons) on Earth? WE = 9. What is your weight (gravitational force), compared to what it was on Earth? (in other words, I want the ratio, like your did for # 1 - 6)

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question

Only question 8 I only showing the top because it goes to questions 8

## Exploring Circular Orbits and Gravitational Forces

**Scenario:**

Imagine you are an astronaut in a circular orbit around the Earth. Let's say you have a mass of 100 kg. You are orbiting at a radial distance of 10,000 km (10⁴ km, or 10⁷ m) from the center of the Earth. 

(Radius of Earth is approximately 6400 km (6.4 x 10³ km, or 6.4 x 10⁶ m), so you are approximately 3600 km above the surface). It takes you two hours and 45 minutes to complete each orbit.

**Questions:**

7. **What is the acceleration of gravity at your location (in m/s²)?**
   - Use the hint: "G*M" for Earth = 4 x 10¹⁴.
   - Provide the calculation for \( g \).

   ```
   g = 
   ```

8. **What was your weight (in Newtons) on Earth?**
   - Provide the calculation for your weight on Earth, \( W_E \).

   ```
   W_E = 
   ```

9. **What is your weight (gravitational force) compared to what it was on Earth?**
   - In other words, determine the ratio, similar to your calculation for questions #1-6.

   ```
   Weight Ratio = 
   ```

**Detailed Explanation of the Scenario:**

- **Radial Distance:** Your orbital distance (10,000 km) includes Earth's radius. Since Earth's radius is approximately 6400 km, your orbit is about 3600 km above the surface.
- **Time for One Orbit:** You complete an orbital revolution in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

This exercise illustrates the application of gravitational principles and orbital mechanics. It helps understand how gravity diminishes with distance and affects weight calculations in different gravitational fields.

**Note:**
The text above provides clear, educational information suitable for understanding gravitational forces and orbital mechanics. It is structured to guide students in solving related physics problems.
Transcribed Image Text:## Exploring Circular Orbits and Gravitational Forces **Scenario:** Imagine you are an astronaut in a circular orbit around the Earth. Let's say you have a mass of 100 kg. You are orbiting at a radial distance of 10,000 km (10⁴ km, or 10⁷ m) from the center of the Earth. (Radius of Earth is approximately 6400 km (6.4 x 10³ km, or 6.4 x 10⁶ m), so you are approximately 3600 km above the surface). It takes you two hours and 45 minutes to complete each orbit. **Questions:** 7. **What is the acceleration of gravity at your location (in m/s²)?** - Use the hint: "G*M" for Earth = 4 x 10¹⁴. - Provide the calculation for \( g \). ``` g = ``` 8. **What was your weight (in Newtons) on Earth?** - Provide the calculation for your weight on Earth, \( W_E \). ``` W_E = ``` 9. **What is your weight (gravitational force) compared to what it was on Earth?** - In other words, determine the ratio, similar to your calculation for questions #1-6. ``` Weight Ratio = ``` **Detailed Explanation of the Scenario:** - **Radial Distance:** Your orbital distance (10,000 km) includes Earth's radius. Since Earth's radius is approximately 6400 km, your orbit is about 3600 km above the surface. - **Time for One Orbit:** You complete an orbital revolution in 2 hours and 45 minutes. This exercise illustrates the application of gravitational principles and orbital mechanics. It helps understand how gravity diminishes with distance and affects weight calculations in different gravitational fields. **Note:** The text above provides clear, educational information suitable for understanding gravitational forces and orbital mechanics. It is structured to guide students in solving related physics problems.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Relativistic speed and time
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON