3.

2 KEPLER’ LAW
3.2.1 Explain Kepler’s Laws
3.2.2 Express Kepler’s Third Law T2 α r3
3.2.3 Solve problems using Kepler’s Third Law

3.3 MAN MADE SATELITE

3.3.1 Describe how an orbit of a satellite is
LEARNING STANDARD maintained at a specific height by setting
the necessary satellite’s velocity.
3.1 Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation 3.3.2 Communicate on geostationary and
3.1.1 Explain Newton’s Universal Law of nongeostationary satellites.
Gravitation: F = (Gm1m2)/r2 3.3.3 Conceptualize escape
3.1.2 Solve problems involving Newton’s Velocity
Universal Law of Gravitation for: 3.3.4 Solve problems involving the escape
(i) two static objects on the Earth velocity,v for a rocket from the Earth’s
(ii) objects on the Earth’s surface surface, the Moon’s surface, Mars’
(iii) Earth and satelites surface and the Sun’s surface.
(iv) Earth and Sun
3.1.3 Relate gravitational acceleration, g on the
surface of the Earth with the universal
gravitational constant, G
3.1.5 Justify the importance of knowing the
values of gravitational acceleration of the
planets in the Solar System
3.1.5 Describe the centripetal force in the
motion of satellites and planets system.
Centripetal force, F = mv2/r
3.1.6 Determine the mass of the Earth and the
Sun using Newton’s universal law of
gravitation and centripetal force.

1
 (b) What is the effect of these forces to the
movement of the fallen leaf and the Earth?
3.1 The leaf and the Earth moves towards one
another.

(c) Why does a fallen leaf move towards the

Introduction
In 1667, the scientist, Isaac Newton, observed an
apple which fell vertically to the ground and the
movement of the Moon around the Earth. He
subsequently concluded that a force of attraction
not only exists between the Earth and the apple
but also between the Earth and the Moon.
5.
ground?
As the mass of the Earth is very much larger
than the mass of the leaf, gravitational force
does not have an apparent effect on the
Earth’s movement. As such, we only observe
the leaf falling to the ground.
Gravitational Force:

(a) Gravitational force is known as universal

force because
it acts between any two bodies in the universe.
Activity 1
Aim: To discuss gravitational force between two (b) Gravitational force exists between two bodies
bodies in the universe
(c) Both bodies experience gravitational force of
1. A person who jumps up will return to the the same magnitude.
ground. What force causes the person to
return to the ground? 2. Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation. In
Gravitational force the year 1687, Isaac Newton presented two
relationships that involve gravitational force
2. Air molecules remain in the atmosphere between two bodies:
without escaping to outer space. What force
acts between the molecules in the
atmosphere and the Earth?
Gravitational force

3. The Moon revolves around the Earth without

drifting away from its orbit. The Earth exerts a
pulling force on the Moon. Does the Moon
also exert a force on the Earth? (a) gravitational force is directly proportional
Yes to the product of the masses of the the two
bodies, that is F α m1m2
4. A leaf falls from a
tree. (b) gravitational force is inversely
(a) Are both the leaf proportional to the square of the distance
and the Earth between the centers of the two bodies,
experience the that is F α 1
same gravitational r2
force?
Yes

2
The two relationships above are formulated in
Figure below to obtain Newton’s Universal Law of
Gravitation.
Example 2
A rocket at a launching pad experiences a
gravitational force of 4.98 × 105 N. What is the
mass of the rocket?
[Mass of the Earth = 5.97 × 1024 kg, distance
between the centre of the Earth and the centre of
the rocket = 6.37 × 106 m]
Gravitational force, F = 4.98 x 105
Mass of the Earth, m1 = 5.97 x 1024 kg
Mass of rocket = m2
Distance between the center of the Earth and the
center of the rocket:
r = 6.37 x 106 m
G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2

Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation states that:

The gravitational force between two bodies
is directly proportional to the product of the
masses of both bodies and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance
between the centers of the two bodies.
4.98 x 105 = (6.67 x 10-11) x 5.97 x 1024 x m2
(6.37 x 106)2
m2 = (4.98 x 105)(6.37 x 106)2
6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024
= 5.07 x 104 kg

F = gravitational forces Activity 2 (Text pg 81)

between two bodies Aim: To solve problems involving Newton’s
m1 = mass of first body Universal Law of Gravitation for two bodies
at rest on the Earth
m2 = mass of second body
1. Work in pairs.
r = distance between the 2. Imagine you and your partner are bodies at
center of the first body and rest on the Earth.
the center of the second 3. Record your mass, m1 and the mass of your
body. partner, m2.
G = gravitational constant
= 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2 Pair Mass r/m F/N
m1/kg M2 / kg
Example 1 2.0 4.4 x 10-8
Calculate the gravitational force 1 50 53
between a durian and the Earth. 4.0 1.1 x 10-8
Mass of durian = 2.0 kg
Mass of the Earth = 5.97 × 1024 kg 2.0 4.1 x 10-8
Distance between the centre of the 2 45 55
durian and the centre of the 4.0 1.0 x 10-8
Earth = 6.37 × 106 m

m1 = 2.0 kg 4. Calculate the gravitational force, F using both

m2 = 5.97 x 1024 kg your masses and the distances given in the
r = 6.37 x 106 m table.
G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2 5. Change partners and repeat steps 3 and 4.

Discussion:
1. How do the masses of two bodies influence
the gravitational force between them?
F = (6.67 x 10-11) x 2.0 x 5.97 x 1024 The bigger the mass, the greater the gravitational
(6.37 x 106)2 force.
= 19.63 N
2. What is the effect of distance between two
bodies on gravitational force between them?
As the distance increases, the gravitational force
decreases.

3
3. Why is the magnitude of gravitational force
between you and your partner small?
The masses between two bodies of small mass
has a very small magnitude.
➢ State the effects of mass and distance
between two objects on gravitational force.
Activity 3 (Teks ms 82)
Aim: To solve problems involving Newton’s
Universal Law of Gravitation for
(i) objects on the Earth’s surface
(ii) the Earth and satelite
(iii) the Earth and the Sun

1. The larger the mass of the body, the larger the

gravitational force. F2 > F1

2. Gravitational force decreases when the Sun Man-made satelllite

distance between the two bodies increases. Mass = 1.99 x 1030 kg Mass = 1.20 x 103 kg
F 1 > F2 Distance between the Distance between the
Earth and the Sun Earth and the satellite
= 1.50 x 1011 m = 4.22 x 107 m
Menyelesaikan Masalah melibatkan Hukum
Kegravitian Semesta Newton bagi: Earth Moon
Mass = 5.97 x 1024 kg Mass = 7.35 x 1022 kg
(i) Dua jasad pegun di Bumi Radius = 6.37 x 106 m

1. What is the gravitational force on the man-

made satellite before it is launched?

(ii) Jasad di atas permukaan Bumi

F = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024 x 1.20 x 103
(6.37 x 106)

= 11,776.12 N = 1.12 x 104 N

2. Compare
(a) the mass of the Earth, the mass of the
man-made satellite and the mass of the
(iii) Bumi dan satelit Sun.
Mass: Sun > Earth > Satellite

(b) between the Earth-satelllite distance and

the Sun-Earth distance.
Distance between the Sun-Earth is longer

3. Predict the difference in the magnitude of the

(iv) Bumi dan Matahari gravitational force between the Earth and the
man-made satellite and the gravitational force
between the Sun and the Earth.
The gravitational force between the Sun and the
Earth is bigger.

4. Calculate
(a) the gravitational force between the Earth
and the man-made satellite
r = jarak antara pusat Bumi ke pusat Matahari

F = 6.67 x 10-11(5.97 x 1024)(1.20 x 103)

(6.37 x 106 + 4.22 x 107)

= 9.83 x 109 N

4
 (b) the gravitational force between the Earth
and the Sun
F = 6.67 x 10-11 x 1.9 x 1030 x 5.97 x 1024
(1.50 x 1011)2
= 3.36 x 1022 N
5. The gravitational force between the Earth and
the Moon is 2.00 x 1020 N. What is the
distance between the centre of the Earth and
the centre of the Moon?
2.0 x 1020 = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024 x 7.35 x 1022
R2
R = 382,541,674 m = 3.82 x 108 m
Relating Gravitational Acceleration, g on the
surface of the Earth with Universal Gravitational
Constant, G.
According to Newton’s Second Law of Motion,
gravitational force can be expressed as F = mg
Gravitation, gravitational force:F = Gm1m2
r2
What is the relationship between g and G?
Activity 4:
Aim: To derive the formula for gravitational
acceleration g using the formulae F = mg
and F = Gm1m2
r2
M = mass of the Earth
m = mass of the object
r = distance between the centre of the Earth and
the centre of the object.
Discussion:
1. What is the relationship between gravitational
acceleration,g and gravitational constant, G?
Directly proportional
2. What are the factors that influence the value of
gravitational acceleration?
• Mass of an object
• Distance of the object
➢ gravitational acceleration
always towards the centre of
the Earth
➢ Each planet in this universe
has its own different
gravitational force.
➢ The value of g = 10 m s-2 or Nkg-1
➢ Diagram below shows the direction of the
gravitational acceleration is a distance r from
the centre of the Earth.
➢ The variation of gravitational acceleration at a
distance from the centre of the Earth
(i) ( r > R)
 A body is at a height from the centre of
the Earth
 Gravitational acceleration for r > R
(ii) A body is on the surface of
the Earth ( r = R)
 Gravitational acceleration
on the surface of the Earth.
iii) A body is inside the Earth ( r < R)
 Gravitational acceleration ( r < R)
5
  With the assumption that the shape of the
Earth is sphere and constant density:

 Gravitational acceleration in the Earth

Activity 5 (Text pg 84)

Aim: To discuss the variation in the values of g
with r

 Graph shows the variation of

• Mass of the Earth, M = 5.97 x 1024 kg gravitational acceleration with the
• Radius of the Earth, R = 6.37 x 106 m distance from the centre of the Earth
• Gravitational constant,G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2kg-2

1. Calculate the value of gravitational

acceleration for the five distances.

2. Complete table below.

Distance from Gravitational acceleration,

centre of the g / ms-2
Earth, r
GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024
R R2 (6.37 x 106)2
= 9.8
GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024 3. How does the value of gravitational
2R R2 (2 x 6.37 x 106)2 acceleration change when
= 2.45 (i) the distance from the centre of the Earth
GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024 r < R?
3R R2 (3 x 6.37 x 106)2 directly proportional
= 1.09
GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024 (ii) the distance from the centre of the Earth
4R R2 (4 x 6.37 x 106)2 increases (r ≥ R)?
= 0.6125 Inversely proportional
GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024
5R R2 (5 x 6.37 x 106)2 4. Mass of the Earth is 5.97 x 1024 kg and radius
= 0.392 of the Earth is 6.37 x 106 m. Calculate
gravitational acceleration on the surface of
Discussion: the Earth. [G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2]
1. What is the value of gravitational acceleration GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024
on the Earth’s surface? R2 (6.37 x 106)2
9.8 ms-2 g = 9.8 ms-2

2. Plot a graph of g against r.

6
5. A radar imaging satellite orbits around the
Earth at a height of 480 km. What is the value Saturn 568 x 1024 6.03 x 107 10.4
of gravitational acceleration at the position of
the satellite?
• Mass of the Earth, M = 5.97 x 1024 kg Uranus 86.8 x 1024 2.56 x 107 8.8
• Radius of the Earth, R = 6.37 x 106 m
• Gravitational constant, G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2kg-2
Height of orbit, h = 480 km = 480 000 m Neptune 102 x 1024 2.48 x 107 11.1
g = . GM .
(R + h)2
= 6.67 x 10-11 x 5.97 x 1024 Pluto 0.015 x 1024 1.19 x 106 0.7
(6.37 x 106 + 4.8 x 105)2
g = 8.49 ms-2
Discussion:
6. Discuss the condition where the value of 1. Which planet has the largest gravitational
gravitational acceleration is almost zero. acceleration?Jupiter
Microgravity is the condition in which people or
objects appear to be weightless. The effects of 2. Which planet has the largest gravitational
microgravity can be seen when astronauts and acceleration closest to the gravitational
objects float in their spacecraft or spacewalk acceleration on the Earth? Saturn
(outside). Heavy objects more around easily.
3. What factors determine the value of the
gravitational acceleration of a planet?
Mass and radius of the planet

Importance of Knowing the Value of Gravitational Activity 7

Acceleration Aim: To discuss the importance of knowledge on
Gravitational force is a universal force. The gravitational acceleration of planets in space
formula g = GM/R2 can be used to calculate exploration and continuity of life.
gravitational acceleration on the surface of the
other bodies such as planets, the Moon and the  Gravitational acceleration on each planet are
Sun. different.
 Gravitational acceleration on each planet
Activity 6 depends on the value of mass and the radius
Aim: To compare different gravitational of each planet.
accelerations for the Moon, the Sun and the  In space exploration, astronaut must have
planets in the Solar System knowledge Dalam penerokaan angkasa,
angkasawan perlulah mempunyai
• Gravitational Constant, G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2kg-2 pengetahuan tentang kepentingan pecutan
graviti dalam kelangsungan hidup.
Bodies Mass, M Radius, R g
/ kg /m / ms-2
Activity 8
Earth 5.97 x 1024 6.37 x 106 9.8 Aim: To gather information on the effects of
gravity on the growth of humans

Sun 1.99 x 1030 6.96 x 108 274.0 Factor Effect of low Effect of high
gravity gravity

Moon 0.073 x 1024 1.74 x 106 1.6 Difference

in density

Mars 0.642 x 1024 3.40 x 106 3.7

Venus 4.87 x 1024 6.05 x 106 8.9 Bone

fragility

Mercury 0.330 x 1024 2.44 x 106 3.7

Jupiter 1898 x 1024 7.15 x 107 24.8 Size of

lungs
7

Blood
circulatory
system
Blood
pressure
Centripetal Force in the Motion of Satellites and
Planets
Diagram below shows three positions of a
satellite which orbits around the Earth at a
uniform speed. Observe the direction of the
velocity of the satellite at each position
• A body moves in a circular motion always
experiences change in the direction of motion
eventhough its speed is constant.
• Thefore the velocity of the body changes.
• A force is required to change the direction of
motion of a body.
• The force that acts on a body which moves in
a circular motion is centripetal force
Activity 9 (Text pg 89)
Aim: To understand centripetal force.
Apparatus: Centripetal force kit (plastic tube,
rubber stopper, slotted weight holder,
three 50 g slotted weights, crocodile clilp,
thick string) and ruler
1. Circular motion of radius r = 50 cm. The total
mass of the slotted weights and its holder =
100 g
2. Hold the plastic tube in your right hand and
the slotted weights in your left hand. Rotate
the rubber stopper at a constant speed in a
horizontal circle above your head.
3. Make sure that the crocodile clip stays at a
distance of about 1 cm from the lower end of
the plastic tube so that the radius is fixed.
4. Release the slotted weights and continue
rotating the rubber stopper. Observe the
speed of motion of the rubber stopper.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 3 with a total mass of 200 g
of slotted weights. Compare the speed of
motion of the rubber stopper with the speed
of motion in step 4.
6. Repeat step 5. When the rubber stopper is
rotating, pull the lower end of the string
downwards so that the rubber stopper rotates
with a decreasing radius. Feel how the
tension in the string action on your left hand
changes.
Discussion:
1. When the rubber stopper makes a circular
motion, the stretched string exerts a force on
the rubber stopper. What is the direction of
the force?
Towards the center of the circle
2. What is the relationship between the speed of
the rubber stopper and the centripetal force?
Directly proportional
3. How does the centripetal force change when
the rubber stopper makes a circular motion
with a smaller radius?
Become greater
……………………………………………………………..
Centripetal force:
CeA force acts on the body in a direction 8
towards the center of the circle for a body in
circular motion.
 • Object launched with low linear speed will
Formula for F = centripetal force follow trajectory 1 and reaches the Earth at Q.
centripetal • Object launched with sufficiently high linear
force m = mass speed will follow trajectory 2 circulating the
Earth. The object will not return to the Earth.
v = linear speed
By comparing the formula for force and formula
r = radius of circle for centripetal force, obtain centripetal
acceleration, a.
F = ma = mv2
➢ Linear speed, v shows how fast a body moves r
in a circular motion. a = v2
➢ Give 3 factors that effect the centripetal force r
1. mass of object v = linear speed of satellite
r = radius of the orbit of satellite
2. linear speed

3. radius of circle Example 2: Text pg

93
Example 1 (Text pg 90) A weather satellite
A hammer throw orbiting the Earth
athlete swingin an at a height, h = 480
iron ball in a km. What is the
horizontal circle centripetal
before releasing it. acceleration of the
What is the centripetal satellite?
force that acts on the
iron ball when the iron
ball is moving a speed Linear speed of the satellite = 7.62 x 103 m s-1.
of 20 ms-1. The radius of the Earth, R = 6.37 x 106 m.
Height of satellite, h = 480 000 m
m = 7.2 kg a = v2 = _ (7.62 x 103)2 _ = 8.48 ms-2
r = 1.8 m r (6.37 x 106 + 480 000)
v = 20
F = mv2 = (7.2)(20)2 = 1 600 N Mass of the Earth and the Sun
r 1.8
Ativity1 0
Prediction of Isaac Newton that a satellite can Aim: To determine the mass of the Earth and the
orbits around the Earth without being driven by a Sun
rocket engine.
1. Figure below shows the orbit of the Moon
around the Earth.

M = mass of the Earth

m = mass of the Moon
r = radius of the Moon’s orbit
T = period of revolution of the Moon around the
Earth
T = tempoh peredaran Bulan mengelilingi Bumi
v = linear speed of the Moon
9
 Distance travelled by the Moon = 2πr
when making one complete
orbit around the Earth 3.2
Linear speed of the Moon, v = Distance
Time
v = 2πr
T Kepler’s First Law
Determine the formula for the mass of the Earth.
All planets move in elliptical orbits with the
Newton’s Universal Centripetal Force Sun at one focus (Law of Orvbit)
Law of Gravitation
F = GMm F = mv2
r2 r
Equate two equations Activity 1 (Text pg 96)
Aim: To sketch the shape of an ellipse based on
GMm = mv2
the concept of dual foci of ellipse
r2 r
Materials: Pencil, 20 cm thread, A4 paper,
Cancel common factor, m
softboard and cellophane tape
GM = rv2
1. Use a template given by your teacher.
substitute v = 2πr 2. Stick the thumbtacks at points F1 and F2 on the
T softboard
GM = (2πr)2 r
T2
= 4π2r2r
T2

Rearrange so that M becomes the subject of

the formula
M = 4π2r3
GT2
3. Tie two ends of the thread to the two
thumbtacks respectively.
Discussion: 4. Tighten the thread with the tip of a pencil.
1. What is the formula to determine the mass of the 5. Move the pencil from the major axis to the left
Earth? of F1 to the major axis to the right of F2 to
M = 4π2r3 sketch half an ellipse.
GT2 6. Repeat step 5 below major axis to obtain the
shape of a complete ellipse.
2. State the data needed to calculate the mass of 7. Remove the thumbtacks and thread.
the Earth. 8. draw a small circle to represent the Sun at F1 .
• Radiius of the orbit of any satellite of the Moon Draw a small circle to represent the Earth on
• Period of revolution the circumference of the ellipse.

3. State the data needed to calculate the mass of Discussion:

the Sun. ➢ Name the shape orbits used by the planets in
• Radius of the orbit of any planet the Solar System.
• Period of revolution of planet concerned Ellipse

4. Period of revolution of the Moon around the ➢ Describe how the distance between the Earth
Earth, T = 2.36 x 106 s and the radius of the and the Sun changes when the Earth makes a
Moon’s orbit, r = 3.83 x 108 m. Calculate the complete orbit around the Sun
mass of the Earth, M. The distance is further at the major axis.
M = 4π2r3 = _ 4π2(3.83 x 108)3 __
GT2 6.67 x 10-11 x (2.36 x 106)2 ➢ Discuss how the shape of the Earth’s orbit
= 5.97 x 1024 kg would be it the major axis is almost as long
as the minor axis.
5. The Earth revolves the Sun in a period of one The shape of the orbit is almost round.
year and the radius of the orbit is r = 1.50 x
1011 m. Calculate the mass of the Sun.
6. M = 4π2r3 = _ 4π2(1.50 x 1011)3 __
GT2 6.67 x 10-11 x (31,536 000)2
= 2.0 x 1030 kg

10
 Mars 1.9 years
Jupiter 11.9 years
Saturn 29.5 years
Uranus 84.0 years
Neptune 164.8 years

Activity 2
Aim: Formulating Kepler’s Third Law

➢ Newton’s third law can be formulated using

The radius of orbit: the average value of the Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation and
distance between the planet and the Sun. concept of circular motion.
➢ Planets make circular motions around the
Kepler’s Second Law Sun.
➢ The centripetal force = the gravitational force
A line that connect a planet to the Sun sweeps between the Sun and the planet.
out equal areas in equal times. (Law of Areas)

If a planet takes the same amount of time to move

from A to B and C to D, The area AFB = area CFD
Distance AB > distance CD.
Linear speed from A to B > from C to D

Derive the relationship between the orbital period

of the planet and the radius of the orbit.

Kepler’s Third Law

The square of the orbital period of any planet

is directly proportional to the cube of the
radius of its orbit (Law of Periods)

Mathermatically:
T = orbital period of a planet T2 α r2
r = radius of orbit

A planet which orbits with a larger radius has a

longer orbital period.
Planets which are further from the Sun take a
longer time to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Planet Orbital Period

Mercury 0.2 years
Venus 0.6 years
Earth 1.0 years
11
Activity 3 2. A research satellite needs to orbit at a height of
Aim: Solving Problems using Kepler’s Third Law 380 km to capture clear images of the surface
Formula of the Earth. What is the orbital period of the
satellite?
[Radius of the orbit of the Moon = 3.83 x 108 m,
Orbital period of the Moon = 655.2 jam,
Radius of Earth = 6.37 x 106 m]

Radius of orbit of the satellite,

1. Figure below shows the planets, Earth and
Mars, orbiting the Sun.
r1 = (6.37 x 106) + (380 x 103)
= 6.75 x 106 m
Radius of orbit of the Moon, r2 = 3.83 x 108 m
Orbital period of the satellite = T
Orbital periodof the Moon, T2 = 655.2 jam

T2 = (6.75 x 106)3 x 655.22

(3.83 x 108)3
T = 1.53 jam

The radius of the orbit of the Earth is

1.50 x 1011 m, orbital period of the earth and
Mars is 1.00 year and 1.88 years respectively.
Calculate the radius of the orbit of Mars.
Radius of orbit of the Earth , r1 = 1.50 x 1011 m
Radius of orbit of Mars = r2
Orbital period of the Earth, T1 = 1.00 tahun
Orbital period of the Mars, T2 = 1.88 tahun

1.002 = (1.50 x 1011)3

1.882 r3
r3 = (1.50 x 1011)3 x 1.882
1.00
r = 2.28 x 1011 m

12
 ➢ GM is constant. Linear speed, v depends on
the radius of its orbit. If a satellite is at a height,
3.3 h above the surface of the Earth:

Radius of orbit, r = R + h (R = radius of the Earth)

Linear speed of
the satellite : 𝑮𝑴
Figure below shows a MEASAT satellite. 𝒗= √
𝑹+𝒉

➢ What is the requirement so that a man-made

satellite can be launched to keep orbiting at
specific heights around the Earth at radius
orbit, r?
The linear speed of the satelit:
𝑮𝑴
𝒗= √
𝑹+𝒉

A GPS satellite is orbiting

Satellites move in orbits at specific heights and the Earth. Calculate the
suitable linear speeds. satellite’s linear speed if
it is at an altitude of
Activity 1 h = 20 200 km.
Aim: Determine the linear speed of a satellite [R Earth = 6.37 x 107 m,
G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2,
Figure below shows the orbit of a satellite around M Earth = 5.97 x 1024 kg]
the Earth. A satellite moving in a circular orbit
around the Earth experiences centripetal force,
which is gravitational force. r = (6.63 x 106) + (2.02 x 107)
= 2.657 x 107 m

𝑮𝑴 (𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 (𝟓.𝟗𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒 )

𝒗 = √𝑹+𝒉 =√
𝟐.𝟔𝟓𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟕

= 3.87 x 103 ms-1

➢ What will happen to the satellite if the linear

speed of satellite is less than the required
linear speed?
The satellite will fall to a lower orbit and continue
to revolve towards the Earth until it enters the
atmosphere. The movement of the satellite at a
high linear speed against air resistance will
generate heat and eventually causes the satellite to
burn.

13
Activity 3 Activity 4
Aim: To compare between geostationary and non- Aim: Escape Velocity
geostationary satellites
What is the meaning of escape velocity?
Geostationary Satellite
Escape velocity, v is the minimum velocity
• A satellite that moves around the Earth at
needed by an object on the surface of the Earth
certain height. In a special orbit named the
to overcome the gravitational force and escape
Geostationary Earth Orbit.
to outer space.
• Moves around the Earth in the same direction
as the direction of the Earth’s rotation on its
axis. When the escape velocity is achieved?
• Orbital period T = 24 hours, that is the same When the minimum kinetic energy of an object is
as the period of rotation of the Earth. able to overcome its gravitational potential energy.
• Always above the same geographical location
Derived the formula for escape velocity:
An object is at a distance r from the centre of the
Non-geostationary Satellite
Earth. Mass of object is m and mass of the Earth
• A satellite that moves around the Earth at is M.
changing orbit height. Normally in a lower or
higher orbit than the Geostationary Earth
Orbit.
• Orbital period is shorter or longer than 24
hours
• Above different geographical locations at
different times.

Similarity characteristics
Orbit the Earth

𝟒𝛑 𝐫 𝟐 𝟑
𝐓 = √ 𝐆𝐌

Difference characteristics
Geostationary Aspects Non-
satellite geostationary
satellite
Direction of Direction of
motion same as Direction of motion need
the direction of motion not be the
Earth rotation same as the
direction of
Earth rotation
T is shorter
T = 24 hours Period, T or longer ➢ Calculate the escape velocity from the Earth.
than 24 hours Mass of the Earth, M = 5.97 x 1024 kg
Radius of the Earth, R = 6.37 x 106 m.
Above the Above
same Position different 𝟐𝑮𝑴
geopraphical geographical 𝒗= √
location location
𝒓
Communication Earth imaging
satellite Function GPS
𝟐 𝒙 (𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 (𝟓.𝟗𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒 )
=√
Weather
forecast 𝟔.𝟑𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟔
TiungSAT
MEASAT Example RazakSAT = 1.12 x 104 ms-1
Pipit
ISS

14
➢ State factors affecting the escape velocity, v. Compare:
The mass of the Earth, M and distance, r of the (i) gravitational acceleration on the Moon and the
object from the center of the Earth. Sun.
(ii) escape velocity from the Moon and from the
Benefits and Implication of Escape Velocity Sun.
1. Why the Earth can maintain a layer of Moom:
atmosphere around it? g = GM = (6.67 x 10-11)(7.35 x 1012) = 1.62 ms-2
High escape velocity of the Earth = 11 200 m/s. R2 (1.74 x 106)2
Molecules in the atmosphere move at average Sun:
linear speed of 500 m/s, that is lower than the g = GM = (6.67 x 10-11)(1.99 x 1030) = 274.0 ms-2
escape velocity from the Earth. So air molecules R2 (6.96 x 108)2
that are moving randomly will not be able to
escape from the Earth into outer space. 𝟐𝑮𝑴
(ii) escape velocity, 𝒗 = √
𝒓
2. Why commercial aircrafts cannot escape into
𝟐 𝒙 (𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 (𝟕.𝟑𝟓 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟐 )
outer space? Moon: v = √
Commercial aircrafts can fly at linear speed of 250 𝟏.𝟕𝟒 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟔
m/s while fighter jets can achieve supersonic linear = 2.37 x 103 ms-1
speed of up to 2200 m/s. Both their linear speeds
are lower than the escape velocity from the Earth. −𝟏𝟏 𝒙 (𝟏.𝟗𝟗 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟑𝟎 )
Sun: v = √𝟐 𝒙 (𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎
3. How can a rocket achieve escapre velocity from 𝟔.𝟗𝟔 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖
the Earth and send the spacecraft into outer = 6.18 x 105 ms-1
space?
The launching of rockets requires large quantities • The Moon has low gravitational acceleration and
of fuel to produce high thrust that enables the escape velocity because the mass of the Moon is
rocket to achieve escape velocity of the Earth. smaller than that of the Sun.
Hence, it can send the spacecraft into outer space. • The Sun is the largest body in the Solar System.
Gravitational acceleration on the Sun and escape
Activity 5 velocity from the Sun have the highest values
Aim: To solve problems involving escape velocity compared with those of the Moon as well as
other planets.
1. Calculate the value of escape velocity.
Venus Mars Jupiter 3. Discuss whether escape velocity from the Earth
for spacecraft X of mass 1 500 kg is different
from spacecraft Y of mass 2 000 kg.
Mass, 4.87 x 1024 6.42 x 1023 1.90 x 1027 The escape velocity from the Earth of both
M/kg spacecraft should be the same. Mass of the
satellite does not effect the escape velocity.

Radius i, 6.05 x 106 3.40 x 106 6.99 x 107 4. Proba-1 satellite orbits the Earth at a height of
R/m 700 km. What is the linear speed of this
satellite?
Escape G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-1 ,
velocity 10,362.5 5,018.9 60,216.6 Mass of the Earth = 5.97 x 1024 kg ,
v / ms-1 Radius of the Earth = 6.37 x 106 m

𝟐𝑮𝑴 𝑮𝑴 𝟔. 𝟔𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 𝟓. 𝟗𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝒗= √ 𝒗= √ =√
𝒓 𝑹+𝒉 (𝟔. 𝟑𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟔 ) + 𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 7,504.82 m/s
2. The Moon and the Sun are two bodies in the
Solar System.

Jasad Jisim, M / kg Jejari, R /m

Bulan 7.35 x 1012 1.74 x 106

Matahari 1.99 x 1030 6.96 x 108

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TUTURIAL 5. A communication satellite has a mass of 80
Constant value kg is orbiting the earth at the height 1.5 x 106
Mass of the Sun = 1.99 x 1030 kg , m from the surface of the earth. Calculate the
Mass of the Earth = 6 x 1024 kg, gravitational acceleration on the object.
Radius of the Earth = 6.37 x 106 m, g = GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 6 x 1024 = 177.9 ms-2
G = 6.67 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2, r2 (1.5 x 106)2
Mass of the Moon = 7.34 x 1022 kg,
Radius of the Moon = 1.74 x 106 m 6. Plot graph which shows the variation of g
with r from the centre of the Earth to infinit.
Formula:
Gravitational force, F = GMm
r2
Gravitational acceleration, g = GM
r2
2
Centripetal Force, F = mv
R
Mass of the Earth, M = 4π2r3
GT2
Kepler’s Third law T2 α r3

𝑮𝑴
Linear speed of satellite, v = √ 7. Calculate the gravitational acceleration, g on
𝒓
the surface of the Earth.
𝟐𝑮𝑴
Escape Velocity, v = √ g = GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 7.34 x 1022 = 1.617 ms-2
𝒓
r2 (1.74 x 106)2
1. Calculate gravitational force between the Sun
and the Earth where the distance between 8. Gravitational acceration on the Earth’s
centre to centre is 1.5 x 1011 m. surface is 10 m s-2. If the mass of the
F = GMm = 6.67 x 10-11 x 1.99 x 1030 x 6 x 1024 Earth is M, and radius of the Earth R.
r2 (1.5 x 1011)2 Calculate the gravitational acceleration at
22
= 3.54 x 10 N point S distance of 3R above the surface.
g = GM = GM = GM
2. Two persons with mass of 80 kg respectively r2 (4R)2 16R2
stand with a distance 50 cm. Calculate the
gravitational force between them. Compare 9. A satellite has a mass of
the value of the gravitational force with their 600 kg is orbitng the Earth
weight. at a height 300 km from
F = GMm = 6.67 x 10-11 x 80 x 80 = 1.7 x 10-6 N the Earth surface.
r2 (0.5)2 Calculate
i) Speed of the satellite
3. A spacecraft Columbus has mass of 3 x104 kg orbiting the Earth.
is launched from the Earht to the Moon. ii) The orbiting period.
Calculate the gravitational force between the
spacecraft and the Earth when the distance (i) r = (6.63 x 106) + (300 000) = 6.93 x 107 m
between the spacecraft is 1.2 x 109 m from the
𝑮𝑴 (𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 𝟔 𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒
center of the Earth. 𝒗= √ =√
F = GMm = 6.67 x 10-11 x 6 x 1024 x 3 x 104 𝑹+𝒉 𝟔.𝟗𝟑 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟕
r2 (1.2 x 109)2
= 8.3375 N = 2.4 x 103 ms-1

4. What is the height from the surface of the (ii) M = 4π2r3

Earth if the value of gravitational force is 1/3 GT2
from on the surface of the Earth. T2 = 4π2r3 = 4π2 x (6.93 x 107)3
g = 6.67 x 10-11 x 6 x 1024 = 1 x 9.81 = 3.27 GM 6.67 x 10-11 x 6 x 1024
(6.37 x 106 + h)2 3
T = 1.81 x 105 s = 50.39 hours
= 4 x 1014 = (6.37 x 106 + h)2
3.27 Atau formula v = 2πr
= 6.37 x 106 + h = 11.1 x 107 T
T = 2π x 6.93 x 107 = 1.81 x 105 s = 50.39 hours
h = 11.1 x 107 - 6.37 x 106 = 4.7 x 106 m 2.4 x 103

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10. A geostationary satellite is R = 6.37 x 106 m
orbiting the Earth in 24
hours. Therefore, the Gravitational potential energy:
satellite always be at the GMm = 6.67 x 10-11 x 6 x 1024 x 50 = 3.14 x 109 J
same point on the Earth’s R 6.37 x 106
surface. Calculate the
radius of the satellite’s 14. What is the minimum speed needed by a
orbit. spacecraft to escape from a planet where the
mass of the planet is half the mass of the
Earth but same size.
Orbital period of the satellite, T2 = 24 jam
𝟐𝑮𝑴 𝟐 𝒙 𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 𝟓.𝟗𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒
Orbital orbit of the Moon, T1 = 655.2 jam v=√ =√
Radius of orbital or the Moon, r1 = 3.83 x 108 m 𝒓 𝟔.𝟑𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟔
Radius of orbital of the satellite, r2 = ? = 1.12 x 104 m/s = 11.2 km/s
𝑻𝟐𝟏 𝒓𝟑𝟏 𝟔𝟓𝟓.𝟐𝟐 (𝟑.𝟖𝟑 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 )𝟑
𝑻𝟐𝟐
= 𝒓𝟑𝟐
= 15. Determine the mass of the Earth from the
𝟐𝟒𝟐 𝒓𝟑 period, T (27.3 days) and the radius, r (3.82 x
105 km) of the Moon’s orbit about the Earth.
r = 4.2 x 107 m Assume the Moon orbits the centre of the
Earth.
11. A satellite is send near the surface of the M = 4π2r3 = 4 x π2 x (3.82 x 105 x 103)3
Earth with a speed and is orbiting the Earth. GT2 6.67 x 10-11 x (27.3 x 24 x 3600)2
Calculate the satellite’ speed and the period
for one complete round to resolves around = 5.97 x 1024 kg
the Earth.
16. Two of Jupiter’s Galilean moons, Io and
(i) r = 6.63 x 106m Europe, make a complete revolution around it
over the periods T1=1.77 days and T2 = 3.55
𝑮𝑴 (𝟔.𝟔𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝒙 𝟔 𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝒗= √ =√ days. Knowing that Io revolves around Jupiter
𝑹 𝟔.𝟔𝟑 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟔 at a distance of 421600 km, determine the
linear velocity of Europe’s motion in its orbit.
= 2.5 x 103 ms-1 𝑻𝟐𝟏 𝒓𝟑 𝟏.𝟕𝟕𝟐 𝟒𝟐𝟏𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟑
= 𝒓𝟏𝟑 =
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝟐 𝟑.𝟓𝟓𝟐 𝒓𝟑
(ii) v = 2πr T = 2π x 6.63 x 106 = 1.5 x 104 s
T 2.5 x 103 r = 6.7 x 108 m (Radius of orbit, Io)
12. A satellite is at the distance, r from the centre v = 2πr = 2π x 6.7 x 108 = 1.4 x 104 m/s
of the Earth. By using the Universal’s T 3.55 x 24 x 3600
Gravitational law, calculate the satellite’s
speed and period for resolving around the 17. A 20 kg satellite has a circular orbit with a
Earth in terms of mass of the Earth, m, r and period of 2.4 h and a radius of 8.0 x 106 m
gravity constant G. around a planet of unknown mass. If the
𝑮𝒎 𝟐𝝅𝒓 magnitude of the gravitational acceleration on
𝒗= √ 𝒗= the surface of the planet is 8.0 m s-2, what is
𝒓 𝑻
the radius of the planet.
𝟐𝝅𝒓 𝟐𝝅𝒓 𝟒𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟐
𝑻= = 𝑻𝟐 = 𝑮𝒎
𝒗 𝑮𝒎 g = 8.0 r = 8.0 x 106 m mass of planet = M = ?
√ 𝒓
𝒓 T = 2.4 x 3600 = 8640 s
𝟒𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟑
𝑻𝟐 = M = _ 4π2 x (8 x 106)3 _ = 4.06 x 1024 kg
𝑮𝒎
6.67 x 10-11 x (8640)2
𝟒𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟑
𝑻= √
𝑮𝒎 g = GM R2 = GM = 6.67 x 10-11 x 4.06 x 1024
R2 g 8
13. Calculate the energy to send a 50 kg aircraft
without man to space from the surface of the R = 5.82 x 106 m
Earth..
Mass of Earth = 6.0 x 1024 kg
Mass of aircraft = 50 kg

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