Mechanics: Circular Motion and Gravitation

Circular Motion and Gravitation: Audio Guided Solution

Extra Problem 9:

A satellite is in a circular orbit 803 kilometers above the surface of the Moon. Use the Table of Planetary Data for the mass and radius of the Moon. What is the acceleration (in m/s/s) of the satellite? 




 

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...

  • ... eads the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • ... identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 61.7 kg, v= 18.5 m/s, R = 30.9 m, Fnorm = ???.
  • ... uses physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • ... identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • ... performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

 

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Circular Motion and Gravitation at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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