A satellite in circular orbit 1.609 * 10⁶ m above the surface of Earth r_e = 6.436 * 10⁶ m) has an acceleration toward Earth of A) 9.76 m/s². B) 6.25 m/s². C) 7.80 m/s². D) 8.73 m/s². E) 15.3 m/s².

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration due to gravity at a distance from the center of the Earth is given by $ g' = \frac{g \cdot r_e^2}{(r_e + h)^2} $, where $ g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 $, $ r_e = 6.436 \times 10^6 \, \text{m} $, and $ h = 1.609 \times 10^6 \, \text{m} $. Plugging in these values gives approximately 6.25 m/s².

A Satellite in Circular Orbit 1