A communications satellite is in a synchronous orbit that is 3.6 x10^7 m directl

Question

A communications satellite is in a synchronous orbit that is 3.6 x10^7 m directly above the equator. The satellite islocated between two cities almost on the equator that are separatedby a distance of 4.8 x 10^6 m. Find the time ittakes for a telephone call to go by way of satellite between thesecities. Ignore the curvature of the earth.

Explanation / Answer

The total distance traveled by signal is s. So that the distance between Belem (or Quito) to satellite iss / 2 . Therefore we can write     s / 2 = [ (h)2 + (d / 2)2 ]                              = [ (3.6 x 107)2 + (4.8 x 106 / 2)2 ]                              = 3.607 x 107 m         ==>       s = 7.215 x107 m The time taken by electromagnetic wave to travel a totaldistance s is                   t = s / c                     = 7.215 x 107 / 3 x 108     = 0.2405 sec

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