What height do geostationary satellites orbit above the Earths surface?

You are given the following values: Me = 6x1024 kgRe = 6.37x106 mA geostationary satellite appears to an observer on the ground to always be at the same position on the sky. This means its orbit must be circular with a period of T = 24hr. [Strictly geostationary orbits are also equatorial, otherwise the position would oscillate north/south].For a circular orbit the centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force from the Earth (Fg = Fc). The formulae for these forces are:Fg = GMm/(r2)Fc = mw2r (or mv2/r then use v = wr)Equating leads to:GMm/(r2) = mw2r Rearrangement gives:r3 = GM/(w2)Substituting w = 2pi*f = 2pi/T and taking the cube root gives:r = cuberoot( GMT2/ 4pi2)BUT this is the distance of the orbit from the centre of the Earth, for its height above the surface we have to subtract Re.h = r - Re = cuberoot( GMT2 / 4pi2) - ReSubstituting the values given at the start of the question, the value of G, and converting T = 24hr = 86400s gives:3.59x106 m or ~36,000 km.

WM
Answered by Will M. Physics tutor

10367 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain the Work-Energy principle and how you can apply it in a simple situation such as a box sliding down a rough slope?


Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?


When red light is shone on a metal, regardless of the intensity of this light, no current will flow. However if blue light is shone on this metal a current will flow. Why does this occur?


Explain the difference between the direction of the conventional current and the direction of electron flow.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning