Altitude of Geostationary Orbit (a special case of Geosynchronous Orbit)

The video tutorial explains how to determine the altitude of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. It begins with an introduction to geosynchronous orbits and known values like Earth's mass and radius. The tutorial then covers drawing a free body diagram to understand the forces acting on the satellite, focusing on gravity. It explains centripetal force and how to calculate angular velocity, given the satellite's orbit matches Earth's rotation. The tutorial proceeds to calculate the satellite's orbital radius and altitude using Newton's universal law of gravitation. Finally, it concludes by verifying the calculations with NASA's published data.

What is a geosynchronous orbit?

• An orbit where the satellite is always above the same spot on Earth.

• An orbit where the satellite moves in a random pattern.

• An orbit where the satellite is always above the North Pole.

• An orbit where the satellite moves faster than Earth's rotation.

What is the only force acting on a satellite in geosynchronous orbit?

• Magnetic force

• Nuclear force

• Electromagnetic force

• Gravitational force

What does the net force in the 'in' direction equal to?

• Electromagnetic force

• Nuclear force

• Centripetal force

• Magnetic force

What is the formula for Newton's universal law of gravitation?

• F = mv^2/r

• F = k(q1*q2)/r^2

• F = G(m1*m2)/r^2

• F = ma

How is angular velocity of a satellite in geosynchronous orbit determined?

• By the Earth's rotation rate

• By the satellite's altitude

• By the satellite's speed

• By the satellite's mass

What is the relationship between the radius of the satellite's orbit and its altitude?

• The radius is the sum of Earth's radius and the satellite's altitude.

• The radius is twice the altitude.

• The radius is half the altitude.

• The radius is unrelated to the altitude.

What is the calculated geosynchronous orbital radius according to the video?

• 2.22323 times 10^7 meters

• 4.22323 times 10^7 meters

• 3.22323 times 10^7 meters

• 5.22323 times 10^7 meters