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Orbital velocity is the speed needed to maintain a circular orbit at a given altitude. It depends on the central body's mass and orbital radius.
Formule
The calculator applies V_orbit = √(GM / r)
- GM
- GM value — Variable used in the calculation
Stapsgewijze handleiding
- 1Enter the central body's mass, orbital radius, and gravitational constant
- 2The calculator applies V_orbit = √(GM / r)
- 3Results show circular orbital speed
Uitgewerkte voorbeelden
Invoer
M = 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg (Earth), r = 6.378 × 10⁶ m (surface)
Resultaat
V_orbit ≈ 7,900 m/s
First cosmic velocity
Veelgemaakte fouten om te vermijden
- ✕Confusing orbital velocity with escape velocity
- ✕Using altitude instead of orbital radius
Veelgestelde vragen
Why doesn't the Moon fall toward Earth?
It's continuously falling but moving sideways at orbital velocity; gravity continuously redirects its path.
Do all orbits have the same velocity?
No, velocity decreases with orbital radius following V ∝ 1/√r; higher orbits move slower.
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