Calculating the Period of Deimos: Phobos vs Deimos

  • Thread starter Thread starter StaticShock
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Period
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the orbital period of Deimos, one of Mars' moons, using the known period of Phobos and their respective orbital radii. The average radius of Phobos is 9380 km, with an orbital period of 0.319 Earth days, while Deimos has an average radius of 23500 km. The relationship used for the calculation is derived from Kepler's Third Law, expressed as (Ta/Tb)² = (Ra/Rb)³. Participants confirm that the choice of which satellite to designate as A or B is arbitrary, as long as consistency is maintained throughout the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's Third Law of planetary motion
  • Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of orbital radius and period
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving exponents and ratios
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Kepler's Third Law in detail to understand its applications
  • Learn about the orbital characteristics of other celestial bodies
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of orbital period formulas
  • Investigate the differences in orbital mechanics between natural satellites and artificial satellites
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of celestial bodies and their orbits.

StaticShock
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Here's the problem:

Phobos and Deimos 2 satalites of mars, ahve orbits with average radii of 9380km and 23500km respectivly.

The period of Phobos is .319 Earth days. Whats is the period of Demos?

I ahve it set up like this:

Rp=9380
RD=23500
Pp=.319
Pd=?

and i know (Ta\Tb)sq'ed =(Ra\Rb)cubed. Am I right in doing this? How do I choose who is A and who is B?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Rp=9380
RD=23500
Pp=.319
Pd=?
and i know (Ta\Tb)sq'ed =(Ra\Rb)cubed. Am I right in doing this? How do I choose who is A and who is B?

Your approach is right. Choose them however you like. As long as you're consistent, it will be fine.
 

Similar threads

Calculating the Period of Mars in Earth Years Using Gravitational Equations
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Calculating Orbital Radius of Ganymede using Orbital Period
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
11K