Physics Problems: Orbital speed, period of revolution, gravitional force acting upon a satellite?

Question

A 600-kg satellite is in a circular orbit about Earth at a height above Earth equal to Earth’s mean radius. Find (a) the satellite’s orbital speed, (b) the period of its revolution and (c) the gravitational force acting on it.

I don’t understand this problem in my book. Please help me by explaining how to solve and what equations used to solve them. Thank You.

Answer 1

I'm going to give you all of the formulas and values you need. All you have to do is plug and chug, which is incredibly easy.

G = 6.67 x 10^-11 Nm²/kg²

M = 5.98 x 10^24 kg

m = 600 kg

r = R + h = 2 x (6.37 x 10^6 m) = 1.274 x 10^7 m

(a) v = (GM / r)^(1/2)

(b) T = 2πr / v

(c) F = GMm / r²