Aphelion and perihelion

  • Thread starter Robertoalva
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In summary, Earth's distance from the Sun varies from 1.47 multiplied by 1011 m at perihelion to 1.52 multiplied by 1011 m at aphelion due to its slightly elliptical orbit. The change in potential energy as Earth moves from perihelion to aphelion can be calculated using the equation ΔU=GMm ((1/r1)-(1/r2)), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Sun, and m is the mass of Earth. To find the numerical value, one can use the values for G, M, and m found on the internet. In this case, the change in potential energy is approximately 1.774625476
  • #1
Robertoalva
140
0
Earth's distance from the Sun varies from 1.47 multiplied by 1011 m at perihelion to 1.52 multiplied by 1011 m at aphelion because its orbit is not quite circular. Find the change in potential energy as Earth goes from perihelion to aphelion.



Homework Equations


ΔU=GMm ((1/r1)-(1/r2))


The Attempt at a Solution



i don't have any idea of what the value of m is
 
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  • #2
How about M?

You know, this is the internet. You could always look it up.
 
  • #3
G= gravitational constant
M= mass of the sun( or the object that is being orbited.)
m= the object orbiting.
 
  • #4
Well,do you know what values to use for G, M, and m?
 
  • #5
Yes, i got gor answer the following

1.774625476E32
 
  • #6
Any units which might be associated with this answer?
 
  • #7
Joules
 

What is aphelion and perihelion?

Aphelion and perihelion are two terms used to describe the position of a planet or other celestial body in its orbit around the Sun. Aphelion refers to the point in an orbit where a planet is farthest away from the Sun, while perihelion refers to the point in an orbit where a planet is closest to the Sun.

Why do aphelion and perihelion occur?

Aphelion and perihelion occur due to the elliptical shape of a planet's orbit around the Sun. This means that the distance between a planet and the Sun is not constant throughout its orbit, resulting in these two points of maximum and minimum distance.

How often do aphelion and perihelion occur?

Aphelion and perihelion occur once in every orbital period, which is the time it takes for a planet to complete one full orbit around the Sun. For Earth, this occurs once every 365.25 days, while for Mars it occurs once every 687 days.

What is the difference between aphelion and perihelion distance?

The difference between aphelion and perihelion distance varies depending on the planet's orbit. For Earth, the difference is about 5 million kilometers, while for Mars it is about 43 million kilometers.

How do aphelion and perihelion affect a planet?

The distance from the Sun at aphelion and perihelion affects a planet's temperature, with perihelion being warmer and aphelion being cooler. This difference in temperature can impact the planet's climate and weather patterns.

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