Find equation for mass in gravity A satellite is moving in circular motion round a planet. From t

Oakey1w

Oakey1w

Answered question

2022-06-22

Find equation for mass in gravity
A satellite is moving in circular motion round a planet.
From the physics we know that
Σ F r = m a r = G M m r 2
So I wanted to find the equation for M knowing also that
v = ω r = 2 π r T
and
a r = v 2 r
Thus,
m a r = G M m r 2
a r = G M r 2
v 2 r = G M r 2
( 2 π r T ) 2 r = G M r 2
4 π 2 r 2 T 2 r = G M r 2
4 π 2 r 3 T 2 = G M r 2
4 π 2 r 5 T 2 = G M
4 π 2 r 5 G T 2 = M
However, this is wrong! It should be:
M = 4 π 2 r 3 G T 2
What was my mistake in Mathematics? Please don't migrate it to physics because my misunderstanding is on math.
Note: I would be very happy if you show my mistake, instead of showing me another way to get to the equation.

Answer & Explanation

tennispopj8

tennispopj8

Beginner2022-06-23Added 20 answers

4 π 2 r 2 T 2 / r = 4 π r T 2 and G should go down not up in numerator.
polivijuye

polivijuye

Beginner2022-06-24Added 16 answers

The mistake lies in these steps:
4 π 2 r 2 T 2 r = G M r 2
4 π 2 r 3 T 2 = G M r 2
4 π 2 r 5 T 2 = G M
4 π 2 r 5 G T 2 = M
Actually, it should have been:
4 π 2 r 2 T 2 r = G M r 2
4 π 2 r T 2 = G M r 2
4 π 2 r 3 T 2 = G M
4 π 2 r 3 G T 2 = M
1.In the second step, the numerator will have r and not r 3
2.In the last step, G will be in the denominator.

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