Could someone explain this image to me?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the formulas related to Earth's orbit and other orbital mechanics concepts as depicted in images shared by participants. The scope includes theoretical explanations and clarifications of mathematical relationships in orbital dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a detailed explanation of the formula for Earth's orbit, indicating a desire for deeper understanding.
  • Another participant shares a second image and expresses gratitude in advance for explanations, suggesting a similar need for clarification.
  • A participant challenges the initial request by asking what specific parts are understood, implying that targeted questions could lead to better explanations.
  • Multiple participants reference a Wikipedia article that outlines the terms in the formula, with one noting it helps fill in gaps in understanding.
  • There is a discussion about the derivation of the formula for circular orbits, mentioning the gravitational force and the necessary centripetal force, while also noting the complexity of elliptical orbits and referencing Kepler's laws.
  • One participant expresses that the Wikipedia article does not fall short but rather provides sufficient information, while another indicates they are struggling more with the second image's content.
  • A participant highlights the importance of the mathematical background required to understand the concepts, asking about the level of math the original poster is comfortable with.
  • Concerns are raised about the omission of units in the equation, suggesting that this could lead to misunderstandings or inaccuracies in interpretation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the adequacy of the Wikipedia article, as some find it helpful while others express that it does not fully address their questions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific aspects of the formulas that need clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of mathematical understanding, which may influence their ability to grasp the concepts discussed. There are also references to specific images that are not included in the text, which may limit the context for some readers.

tat1978
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I know it's the formula for the Earth's orbit, but if someone would explain the actual formula itself to me in detail, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks! :)

http://www.wallchan.com/images/sandbox/1305765361-earth-orbit-sun-365-physics-none-wallpaper.jpg
 
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Throw us a bone... What part do you understand?
 
Where does that Wiki article fall short? It seems to have it all there. Or you could try this link, possibly. The formula (for a circular orbit) is arrived at by equating the gravitational force at a distance r and the force needed for a circular orbit at that distance.
For a general Elliptical orbit is is more complicated but Kepler's law might do for you (he based it on observation but didn't have access to Newton's law of gravitation at the time afaik).
 
sophiecentaur said:
Where does that Wiki article fall short? It seems to have it all there. Or you could try this link, possibly. The formula (for a circular orbit) is arrived at by equating the gravitational force at a distance r and the force needed for a circular orbit at that distance.
For a general Elliptical orbit is is more complicated but Kepler's law might do for you (he based it on observation but didn't have access to Newton's law of gravitation at the time afaik).

It doesn't. Maybe "helps" was the wrong way to put it. It filled in the blanks for me. The second one is what I'm having more trouble understanding.
 
Oh, and thank you for the responses. Greatly appreciated.
 
This all depends on your level of Maths, I think. What Maths are you happy with- algebra, calculus?
How about this link?
 
  • #10
In the last line, "minutes" and "days" are missing as units, otherwise the equation is wrong.
 

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