Isotropic Harmonic Oscillator Orbit Calculation | Central Motion Problem

  • Thread starter fightonfire59
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Motion
In summary, the problem involves finding the value of r(t) for the orbit of a particle in an isotropic harmonic oscillator with potential V(r)=0.5kr^2. The attempt at a solution involves solving the integral \int\frac{dr}{\sqrt{2/m(E-0.5kr^2-L^2/2mr^2)}} by using a substitution or simplification method.
  • #1
fightonfire59
1
0

Homework Statement



Consider an isotropic harmonic oscillator whose potential is given by V(r)=0.5kr^2. Calculate the value of r(t) for the orbit of a particle.


Homework Equations



dr/dt=[tex]\sqrt{2/m(E-0.5kr^2-L^2/2mr^2)}[/tex] (call the right side of the eqn 'stuff')



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm unable to solve the integral [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dr}{stuff}[/tex] as is.
I'm sure there's a subsitution or some other trick I can do to make the integral solvable but I can't figure it out =/
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Note that when you separate the equation, you'll get a fraction within a fraction:
[tex]\frac{\mathrm{d}r}{\sqrt{\cdots + A/r^2}} = \cdots[/tex]
It's usually a good idea to simplify such expressions like so:
[tex]\frac{\mathrm{d}r}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{r^2}(\cdots + A)}} = \cdots[/tex]
so that you're left with a regular polynomial times some overall factor. With a couple more steps, you can get that into a form where you can use the substitution [itex]u = r^2[/itex].
 

What is the central motion problem?

The central motion problem is a physics concept that deals with the motion of a body under the influence of a central force. This means that the motion of the body is determined by a single force that acts towards a fixed point, known as the center of force.

What are some examples of central forces?

Some common examples of central forces include gravitational force, electrostatic force, and magnetic force. These forces act towards a central point, such as the center of the Earth in the case of gravitational force.

What is the difference between circular and elliptical motion in the central motion problem?

Circular motion occurs when the body moves in a perfect circle around the center of force, while elliptical motion occurs when the body moves in an oval or elliptical path around the center of force. The shape of the orbit depends on the strength and direction of the central force.

How does the central motion problem relate to Kepler's laws of planetary motion?

Kepler's laws of planetary motion describe the motion of planets around the sun, which can be explained using the central motion problem. Kepler's first law states that the planets move in elliptical orbits with the sun at one focus, while Kepler's second law states that the line connecting a planet to the sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times. These laws can be derived from the principles of the central motion problem.

What factors affect the motion of a body in the central motion problem?

The motion of a body in the central motion problem is affected by the mass of the body, the mass of the center of force, and the distance between them. The strength of the central force also plays a role in determining the speed and direction of the body's motion.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top