Centripetal Force Physics Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

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A satellite orbits Earth at radius

r = 7 \times 10^6 \text{ m}

with speed

v = 7500 \text{ m/s}

. What is the centripetal acceleration?

1
Use the centripetal acceleration formula: $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$ .
2
$a_c = \frac{7500^2}{7 \times 10^6} = \frac{5.625 \times 10^7}{7 \times 10^6} \approx 8.04 \text{ m/s}^2$

Answer

a_c \approx 8.04 \text{ m/s}^2

A satellite in orbit is in continuous free-fall, with gravity providing the centripetal force. The centripetal acceleration is slightly less than

g

at the surface because the satellite is farther from Earth's center.

About Centripetal Force

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