- #1
neelakash
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Homework Statement
A particle moves in a circular orbit under the action of a force
f(r)=-(k/r^2).If k is suddenly reduced to half its value, what would be the nature of the orbit?
Homework Equations
e=sqrt[1+(2*L^2*E)/(mk^2)]
The Attempt at a Solution
My attempt:
Clearly,the particle moves under attractive central force.Now,for the circular orbit,eccentricity e=0 and as the motion is bound,the energy is negative.
If k is reduced to k/2, eccentricity changes to
e=1+(8*L^2*E)/(mk^2)=6*L^2*E/(mk^2)
Since e becomes negative as E is negative,no motion is possible.
Am I correct?