Taking , and , calculate the altitude (above Earth’s surface) of a geostationary…

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

Taking

G = 6.67\times10^{-11}\,\text{N m}^2\text{kg}^{-2}

M_{\oplus}=6.0\times10^{24}\,\text{kg}

and

R_{\oplus}=6.4\times10^{6}\,\text{m}

, calculate the altitude (above Earth’s surface) of a geostationary satellite. Assume the satellite’s orbital period equals

24\,\text{h}

. (a)

4.2\times10^{4}\,\text{km}

(b)

2.4\times10^{4}\,\text{km}

(c)

3.6\times10^{4}\,\text{km}

(d)

1.5\times10^{4}\,\text{km}