Question

Two satellites are in circular orbits around the earth. The orbit for satellite A is at a height of 418 km above the earth’s surface, while that for satellite B is at a height of 731 km. Find the orbital speed for (a) satellite A and (b) satellite B.

Answer 1

F = G M m/R^2 = m v^2/R

so v^2 = G M/R

G = 6.67 * 110^-11
M = 6 * 10^24
Re = 6.38*10^6 meters

Ra = 6.38*10^6 + .418*10^6
Rb = 6.38*10^6 + .731*10^6

Answer 2

Ra = 680700
Rb = 7253000