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Homework Statement
Initially, a planet with mass m moves on a circular orbit (r = R) around a star with mass M. Now M is instantaneously decreased to M'. Find the eccentricity e of the elliptical orbit the planet now follows.
Homework Equations
specific angular momentum l = L/m
[itex]\frac{\mbox{total energy}~ E}{m} = \frac{1}{2}v_r^2 + \frac{1}{2}\frac{l^2}{r^2} - \frac{γM}{r}[/itex]
The effective potential is:
[itex]V_{eff}=\frac{1}{2}\frac{l^2}{r^2} - \frac{γM}{r}[/itex]
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The Attempt at a Solution
The mimimum of the effective potential is at R. But then as M->M' the minimum is shifted upwards and to the right. Energy is not conserved: the potential becomes less negative and kinetic energy also increases
The radius of the circular orbit R provides us with the semi-axis b of the ellipse, because at the moment of mass loss M -> M' the planet will leave it's circular orbit and enter the elliptical orbit at perihelion. The circle lies exactly inside the ellipse.
The mass loss does not effect angular momentum because the gradient of the potential is parallel to r, so the force responsible for the change of orbit is also only acting parallel to r.
[itex]l_{circle} = R^2 \omega[/itex]
Now I have to find a relation between l and e, but I'm stuck on how to calculate the angular momentum of the elliptical orbit. I don't even know it's period. Thanks for reading!
Michael