Question

Six artificial satellites complete one circular orbit around a space station in the same amount of time. Each satellite has mass m and radius of orbit L. The satellites fire rockets that provide the force needed to maintain a circular orbit around the space station. The gravitational force is negligible. Rank the net force acting on each satellite from their rockets. Rank from largest to smallest. To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.

Answer 1

ω is the same for all satellites.

T = ω2 m L, scaling as the product of m and L

a) ml = 800*5000 = 4*10^6

b) ml = 100*2500 = 0.25*10^6

c) ml = 100*10000 = 1*10^6

d) ml = 200*5000 = 1*10^6

e) ml = 300*7500 = 2.25*10^6

f) ml = 400*2500 = 1*10^6

a,e,c=d=f,b