Determine the modules of speed and centripetal acceleration of the Moon moving around the Earth.
Determine the modules of speed and centripetal acceleration of the Moon moving around the Earth. Consider the radius of the Moon’s orbit equal to R = 384 * 10 ^ 3 km, and the period of its rotation T = 28 days.
R = 384 * 10 ^ 3 km = 384 * 10 ^ 6 m.
T = 28 days = 2419200 s.
V -?
a -?
The period T is the time of one complete revolution. During this time, the Moon travels a path equal to the circumference of a circle of radius R.
The speed V is the ratio of the traversed path S to the time of its passage t: V = S / t.
The circumference is determined by the formula: S = 2 * P * R, t = T.
V = 2 * P * R / T.
V = 2 * 3.14 * 384 * 10 ^ 6 m / 2419200 s = 996.82 m / s.
a = V ^ 2 / R.
a = (996.82 m / s) ^ 2/2419200 s = 0.00258 m / s ^ 2.
Answer: V = 996.82 m / s, a = 0.00258 m / s ^ 2.