Calculate the approximate altitude (above Earth’s surface) of a geostationary satellite

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

Problem

Calculate the approximate altitude (above Earth’s surface) of a geostationary satellite. Take

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

M_{\oplus}=5.97\times10^{24}\,\text{kg}

R_{\oplus}=6.37\times10^{6}\,\text{m}

and orbital period

T = 24\,\text{h}

. (a)

2.3\times10^{7}\,\text{m}

(b)

4.2\times10^{7}\,\text{m}

(c)

3.6\times10^{7}\,\text{m}

(d)

1.5\times10^{7}\,\text{m}