Angular Momentum: Constant Velocity, Elliptical Orbit

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter vivinisaac
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Planet Velocity
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of angular momentum in the context of planetary motion, specifically examining the differences between circular and elliptical orbits. Participants explore the implications of angular momentum being constant and the relationships between velocity, radius, and gravitational force in these orbits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that if angular momentum is constant, then the product of velocity and radius (vr) should also be constant, but questions this in the context of elliptical orbits.
  • Another participant corrects the formulation of angular momentum, stating it should be expressed as L = mvr², not mrv².
  • A later reply emphasizes that the equation GM = v²r is valid for circular orbits but not for elliptical ones, highlighting that angular momentum varies at different points in an elliptical orbit.
  • It is noted that at perhelion, the velocity is greater than at aphelion, which is necessary for the planet to transition between these points in its orbit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of angular momentum in elliptical orbits, with some agreeing on the distinction between circular and elliptical cases while others challenge the initial assumptions made regarding angular momentum's constancy.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the applicability of certain equations to elliptical orbits and the implications of varying velocities at different orbital positions.

vivinisaac
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
if the angular momentum of planet is constant when its orbiting around the sun then
velocity X radius is a constant
vr=constant

but if we consider the velocity and distance from the sun of the planet in an elipticall orbit to be v and r
the centrepital force is provided by gravitational force then
GMm/r^2 =mv^2/r
GM=v^2r
ie. v^2r=constant
ie. angular momentum is not same in two different position in the elipticall orbit

is what i wrote correct or is there something wrong in the equation
 
Physics news on Phys.org
L=m v r^2, not m r v^2.
Put the two equations together and you get Kepler III.
 
clem said:
L=m v r^2, not m r v^2.
Put the two equations together and you get Kepler III.

L=mvr
 
vivinisaac said:
if the angular momentum of planet is constant when its orbiting around the sun then
velocity X radius is a constant
vr=constant

but if we consider the velocity and distance from the sun of the planet in an elipticall orbit to be v and r
the centrepital force is provided by gravitational force then
GMm/r^2 =mv^2/r
GM=v^2r
ie. v^2r=constant
ie. angular momentum is not same in two different position in the elipticall orbit

is what i wrote correct or is there something wrong in the equation

Your mistake is in assuming that GM = v^2r holds for all parts of an elliptical orbit. It holds for all points of a circular orbit, but not elliptical ones.

What you have shown that two bodies of equal mass with different orbital radii don't have the same angular momentum. We don't expect them to.

For an eliptical orbit v at perhelion is larger than that needed to counter centripetal force and at aphelion it is less. If this were not true than a planet at perhelion would not climb out to aphelion and a planet at aphelion would not fall in towards perhelion.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
13K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K