Deriving Mechanics Equations for the Moon

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on deriving mechanics equations for a moon in an elliptical orbit around a planet. The derived equations for the orbital radius at periapse and apoapse are r=a(1-e) and r=a(1+e), respectively. The ratio of the moon's speed at periapse to that at apoapse is expressed as vp/va=(1+e)/(1-e). Additionally, the total energy equations at periapse and apoapse were explored, with the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy combined to derive the total energy expressions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elliptical orbits and their parameters (semi-major axis, eccentricity)
  • Familiarity with angular momentum concepts (L=mvr)
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy equations (Ep=-GMm/r)
  • Basic principles of kinetic energy in orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Learn about the conservation of angular momentum in orbital mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between energy and orbital parameters in celestial mechanics
  • Investigate the effects of eccentricity on orbital dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in celestial mechanics and orbital dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

Dime
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Alright, so I have a few questions.
a) Consider a moon of mass m orbiting a planet of mass M in an elliptical orbit. The equation for the radius of an elliptical orbit is r=a(1-e2) / (1+ecos[tex]\vartheta[/tex]). Derive equations for the orbital radius of the moon when it closest to and farthest from the planet.
My answer turns out to be periapse: r=a(1-e)
and for apoapse: r=a(1+e) a is the semi major axis of the ellipse and e is the eccentricity

b) Combing your result from a with angular momentum (L=mvr), derive an equations for the ratio of the moon's speed at periapse and apoapse in terms of eccentricty, that is vp/va.
I ended up getting vp/va=(1+e) / (1-e)​

c) Write down the equation which equates the total energy of the moon at apoapse with its total energy at periapse using the equation Ep=-GMm / r
I am getting confused with this one. So the total energy would be the gravitational potential energy plus the kinetic energy right? So for the energy at periapse would look like
E=(-GMm / r) + 1/2mv2
the velocity being the one derived earlier.
then using the equations derived in the first couple parts I end up getting
E=(-2GMm + mv(1-e)) / (2a(1-e)​
And somehow I think that is wrong. The next part asks me to show that at periapse
v2=(GM / a)[(1+e)/(1-e)]​
but I may be over complicating things for part c and trying to solve d at the same time I am not sure. Anyone have any ideas if I made a mistake earlier or if they can offer some advice in solving it?
 
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nevermind I figured it out
 

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