A satellite of mass 1200kg is positioned at a height of 600km above the Earth’s surface. The radius of the Earth is 6400km and its mass is 6.0×1024kg. Take G=6.67×10−11N m2/kg2.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted by the Earth on the satellite at this altitude.
(ii) Determine the acceleration due to gravity experienced by the satellite at this altitude.
(iii) Compare the value obtained in part (ii) with the standard acceleration due to gravity at the Earth’s surface. Express the ratio gh/g correct to two decimal places.