free physics video tutorials for all

 

 

Fields & Effects

 

Gravitational Fields 2

 

escape velocity

satellite orbits

low orbits

geostationary orbits

 

 

 

Escape velocity

escape velocity explained

Theoretically (neglecting air resistance) to leave the Earth and not return, a mass must have enough kinetic energy to reach a point an infinite distance away, where its velocity (and hence KE) is zero.

The escape velocity is the minimum initial velocity required to do this. This is a constant for a particular planetary mass, and is independent of the projected mass.

Consider a mass m being projected away from the surface of the Earth with velocity v.

At a distance r from the Earth (mass ME ) the force of gravity F on the mass is given by:

escape velocity - equation #1

This equation can be used to calculate the work done by the gravitational force in bringing the mass m to rest.

Consider the mass m moving an incremental distance δr (delta r ) away from the Earth. That is, against the force F .

 

escape velocity graph

 

Since work done = force x distance moved against force , the incremental work δW done by the gravitational field on the mass is given by;

escape velocity equation #2

substituting for F from the first equation,

escape velocity equation #3

Making the expression into an integral, where W is the total work done by the gravitational force between the limits of r = rE and r = infinity :

(essentially summing the individual slices of F δr between the limits to obtain the area under the curve)

escape velocity equation #4

Integrating between the limits,

escape velocity equation #5

escape velocity #6

The work done by the gravitational force on the mass equates to the original (maximum) kinetic energy of the mass.

escape velocity equation #7

Making the velocity v the subject,

escape velocity equation #8

 

For the Earth, the escape velocity approximates to 11 kms-1 or 7 miles s-1.

NB for this theoretical treatment
1. the theory does not apply to continuously propelled masses
2. escape velocity is independent of the direction of projection

 

celestial object

vescape (km/s)

Sun

617.5

Mercury

4.3

Venus

10.3

Earth

11.2

Moon

2.4

Mars

5.0

Jupiter

59.5

Saturn

35.6

Uranus

21.2

Neptune

23.6

Pluto

3.9

solar system

≥ 525

event horizon

speed of light
3 x 105

 

back to top

 

Satellite orbits

A satellite ( mass m) orbits the Earth (mass ME) at a constant velocity v .

The centripetal force keeping the satellite in orbit is provided by the gravitational force of attraction F between the mass and the Earth.

circular orbit

The equations for centripetal and gravitational force are combined.
Satellite velocity v is then made the subject of the equation.

velocity in orbit

Since G and ME are constants, satellite velocity is soley dependent on orbital radius.

The period T of the motion is simply the circumference of the circular orbit divided by the satellite's velocity.

period of satellite orbit

Since G and ME are constants, orbital period, like orbital velocity, is soley dependent on orbital radius.

 

back to top

 

Low orbits

For satellites in orbit a distance equal or less than 200 km above the Earth's surface, the radius of the orbit approximates to the radius of the Earth:

rE = 6.6 x 106 m       r = 6.8 x 106 m

Making r equal to rE , the equations for orbital velocity v and period T become:

 

low earth orbit equations

 

Low Earth orbits are not stable. The outer reaches of the Earth's atmosphere produce drag on a satellite. This changes the satellite's kinetic energy to heat energy, as it is brought back to Earth.

Permanent satellites like the ISS and Hubble have to be given a regular boost to maintain there orbits. Lost kinetic energy is replenished.

decaying orbit

note: The Law of Gravitation predicts that lower orbits have higher velocities. So a satellite should go faster and faster as it moves closer to the Earth. However in this case kinetic energy is lost(as heat energy). The atmosphere brakes the motion. So the law does not apply.

 

back to top

 

Geostationary orbits

A geostationary satellite is one that always appears in the same place in the sky, no matter what the time of day.

The conditions for this to occur are:

1. the satellite must have an orbital period of exactly 24 hours

2. the satellite must have a circular orbit above the equator

3. the satellite must be orbiting in the same direction as the Earth is rotating

 

geostationary orbits

 

 

back to top

 

 

 

this week's promoted video

 

 from Physics Trek

 

 

creative commons license

All downloads are covered by a Creative Commons License.
These are free to download and to share with others provided credit is shown.
Files cannot be altered in any way.
Under no circumstances is content to be used for commercial gain.

 

 

 

 

©copyright a-levelphysicstutor.com 2016 - All Rights Reserved