Angular momentum and eccentricity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion explores the relationship between angular momentum and orbital eccentricity, highlighting an indirect connection. A proposed formula for angular momentum is L = √(a(1-e²)/(m₁+m₂)), though its accuracy is questioned. The conversation emphasizes that orbits have two degrees of freedom, defined by the semi-major axis and eccentricity, with angular momentum influenced by these factors along with mass and gravitational constant. A formula for energy is also mentioned, E = -G(M+m)/(2a), and a relationship between eccentricity and angular momentum is suggested. Overall, the thread seeks clarification on these complex orbital dynamics.
Alexrey
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I'm trying to find the relationship between angular momentum and orbital eccentricity but so far I haven't really found anything. I did find an indirect relationship, though, which looked like it should come out to,L=\sqrt{\frac{a(1-e^{2})}{m_{1}+m_{2}}}, but I may be completely wrong. Anyone know the correct answer?
 
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Even if you remove as many variables as possible, orbits always have two degrees of freedom, they can be written as semi-major axis and eccentricity. The angular momentum will depend on both, together with the masses and the gravitational constant.

I found this formula at wikipedia:
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The energy is E = \frac{-G(M+m)}{2a}

Therefore, e^2 = 1-\frac{c}{a} L^2 with c=\frac{M+m}{GM^2m^3} and L=\sqrt{\frac{1-e^2}{ca}} where c just depends on the masses.
 
Thanks very much.
 
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