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.

Answered by Will M. Physics tutor

3645 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A ball is released from stationary at a great height. Explain how the forces acting on it change before it hits the ground and how these forces affect the velocity of the ball.


Describe one technique you could use to measure the threshold voltage for LEDs.


A positively charged particle enters a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to its direction of motion. Does the particle: A) Change its velocity, B) Change its speed, C) Accelerate in the direction of the magnetic field.


Why does a body engaged in uniform circular motion do no work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy