Derive angular momentum of planet with elliptical orbit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the angular momentum of a planet with mass m orbiting the Sun (mass m_s) along an elliptical orbit characterized by aphelion r1 and perihelion r2. The angular momentum formula used is M = m(R × v) = mvR sin(θ), where R is the distance from the Sun to the planet, and θ is the angle from the semi-major axis. The solution emphasizes the conservation of angular momentum and suggests using energy conservation principles to equate energies at perihelion and aphelion to find the velocity at these points, which can then be substituted into the angular momentum formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in classical mechanics
  • Familiarity with elliptical orbits and Kepler's laws
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in orbital mechanics
  • Basic proficiency in vector mathematics and trigonometry
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  • Study the derivation of angular momentum in elliptical orbits
  • Learn about energy conservation in orbital mechanics
  • Explore the application of Kepler's laws to planetary motion
  • Investigate the relationship between velocity, radius, and angle in elliptical orbits
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Students studying classical mechanics, astrophysics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of planetary motion and angular momentum in elliptical orbits.

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Homework Statement


A planet of mass m orbiting the Sun(mass=[tex]m_s[/tex] along an elliptical orbit, with aphelion r1 and perihelion r2. Find the angular momentum of the planet relative to the centre of the Sun.


Homework Equations


Angular momentum, [tex]M=m(R\times v)=mvR sin\theta[/tex]
Distance from Sun to the planet, [tex]R=\frac{2{r_1}{r_2}}{(r_1+r_2)-(r_1-r_2)cos \theta}[/tex]
while [tex]\theta[/tex] is the angle of [tex]\overrightangle{R}[/tex] from the semi-major axis, which varies with time.

The Attempt at a Solution


Known that the angular momtentum is conserved along its motion, with v, R, and \theta varies with time but not sure that whether it is useful to derive the value of R, and I don't know how to relate this 3 variables together. Can anyone help me? Thank you very much!
 
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Oh just use energy conservation to equate energies at perihelion and aphelion and you'll be able to get a velocity at either point. Plug it into the corresponding angular momentum formula!
 

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