Physics

Problem

A communication satellite is required to complete one revolution around the Earth in

12\,\text{h}

. The radius of a geostationary orbit is

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

and the Earth’s radius is

6.37\times10^{6}\,\text{m}

. a. (i) Obtain an expression that relates the orbital radius

r

of a satellite to its period

T

for circular motion around the Earth. b. (ii) Using your expression, determine the orbital radius of the

12\,\text{h}

satellite. c. (iii) Hence calculate its altitude above the Earth’s surface. d. (iv) Would such a satellite appear stationary to an observer on the Earth? Give a brief reason.

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