Distance function in gravitational force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of a distance function in the context of gravitational force, specifically exploring how distance varies with time under gravitational influence. Participants examine the mathematical formulation of gravitational force and its implications for motion, integrating equations of motion and addressing constants of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a derivation of the distance function based on gravitational force, leading to a proposed formula for distance as a function of time.
  • Another participant points out the absence of constants of integration in the initial integration steps, suggesting that this oversight could affect the validity of the results.
  • A different participant introduces the concept of motion in polar coordinates, discussing the equations of motion for an object under gravitational influence and the need to solve a system of equations for distance as a function of time.
  • Some participants debate the assumptions made regarding initial conditions, particularly the assumption that particles start at infinity, which leads to conflicting interpretations of constants of integration.
  • Concerns are raised about the interpretation of kinetic energy and its relationship to gravitational force, with some arguing that the presence of a force is not necessary for kinetic energy to exist.
  • A participant expresses a desire to understand the underlying reasons for the inverse square relationship in gravitational force and its parallels in other physical laws.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formulation of the distance function or the treatment of constants of integration. Multiple competing views and interpretations remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their derivations, particularly regarding the handling of constants of integration and assumptions about initial conditions. The discussion reflects a range of mathematical approaches and interpretations without resolving these issues.

coki2000
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Hi,
In gravitational force law [tex]F=-G\frac{M_{1}M_{2}}{x^{2}}[/tex]if i want to find the distance function which depends on time then

[tex]\frac{d^{2}x}{dt^{2}}=-G\frac{M}{x^2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dv}{dt}=\frac{dv}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=v\frac{dv}{dx}=-G\frac{M}{x^2}[/tex]

[tex]vdv=-G\frac{M}{x^2}dx[/tex]

integrate the both sides

[tex]\frac{v^2}{2}=G\frac{M}{x}\Rightarrow \frac{dx}{dt}=\sqrt{2G\frac{M}{x}}\Rightarrow dt=\sqrt{\frac{x}{2Gm}}dx[/tex]

if we solve that differential equation then [tex]t=\frac{2}{3}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2GM}}x^{3/2}[/tex]

this time distance function [tex]x(t)=\sqrt[3]{\frac{9}{2}GM}.t^{2/3}[/tex] Is that function right else what is the right formula? Please help me
 
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Good morning,

Your TeX formulas are not being displayed in image form.
You have to put [tex][tex][/tex][/tex] tags around the TeX formulas so that they are displayed correctly. Like this:
[tex]\textbf{[tex]}[/tex]F=-G\frac{M_{1}M_{2}}{x^{2}}[/tex].
I don't know how to answer your question, but I will follow this post, because I'm also very interested in knowing.
 
I have never studied this subject in depth (I'm also very curious to know the solution for this), but I think that, when you integrate both sides, you forgot to add the constants of integration:
[tex]\frac{v^2}{2}+C_1=G\frac{M}{x}+C_2\Rightarrow \frac{dx}{dt}=\sqrt{2G\frac{M}{x}+C}\Rightarrow dt=\sqrt{\frac{x}{2Gm+Cx}}dx[/tex]
where C1 and C2 are the constants of integration of both sides, and, for simplicity, I use C = 2C2 - 2C1.
Let's wait for someone else to give an opinion.
Thank you in advance.
 
coki2000 said:
Hi,
In gravitational force law [tex]F=-G\frac{M_{1}M_{2}}{x^{2}}[/tex]
[...]
I want to find the distance function which depends on time [...]

What you are looking for is a solution to the equation of motion, for gravitational force, in polar coordinates.
I will present a discussion of how to arrive at the equation of motion in polar coordinates, I don't know an analytical solution to it.

Acceleration in radial direction
For any object confined to circumnavigating motion, at each point in time the magnitude of the required centripetal force is [tex]m \dot\theta^2 r[/tex]
If that centripetal force is not provided the object will recede from the center of attraction with an acceleration of [tex]\dot\theta^2 r[/tex]

Gravitational attraction will tend to reduce the radial distance, so it gets a minus sign in the equation of motion for the acceleration in radial direction.

[tex]\ddot r = -G M r^{-2} + \dot\theta^2 r[/tex]Acceleration in tangential direction
Since it's orbital motion angular momentum is conserved. Angular momentum being constant means that the time derivative of angular momentum must be zero. Angular momentum is proportional to [tex]\dot\theta r^2[/tex]

[tex]\dot\theta r^2 = constant \qquad \Rightarrow \qquad \frac{d(\dot\theta r^2)}{dt} = 0[/tex]

Differentiating, using the product rule:

[tex]r^2 \ddot\theta + \dot\theta \frac{d(r^2)}{dt} = 0[/tex]

Using the chain rule an expression with a factor r² is converted to an expression with a factor r.

[tex]r^2 \ddot\theta + 2 r \dot\theta \dot r = 0[/tex]

Rearranging and dividing left and right by r², we obtain the equation for tangential acceleration:

[tex]\ddot\theta = - \frac{2 \dot\theta \dot r}{r}[/tex]

Notated as a system of equations:

[tex]\ddot r = -G M r^{-2} + \dot\theta^2 r[/tex]

[tex]\ddot\theta = - \frac{2 \dot\theta \dot r}{r}[/tex]

To find, as a function of time, the distance of the orbiting object to the primary that system of equations must be solved.

Cleonis
 
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coki2000 said:
Hi,
In gravitational force law [tex]F=-G\frac{M_{1}M_{2}}{x^{2}}[/tex]
[...]
I want to find the distance function which depends on time [...]

Oops.

I assumed that the question was for orbiting motion, but it doesn't say so anywhere.
I should have assumed that the question is about falling straight down, in a situation where the attracting force is a function of distance.

Cleonis
 
coki2000 said:
integrate the both sides

[tex]\frac{v^2}{2}=G\frac{M}{x}[/tex]

Where is your constant of integration? Once you add it in, you'll find that the resulting equation is identical to the conservation of energy. You'll also find that it's impossible to express x in terms of t using elementary functions.
 
In my opinion, I don't forget the constant;

[tex]vdv=-G\frac{M}{x^2}dx[/tex] integrating both sides

[tex]\frac{v^2}{2}=G\frac{M}{x}+C[/tex]

But multiply the both sides by m

[tex]\frac{1}{2}mv^2=G\frac{Mm}{x}+C[/tex] this is kinetic energy formula then,

[tex]\frac{1}{2}mv^2=E_k=\lim_{x\rightarrow \propto }{G\frac{Mm}{x}}+C=0[/tex]

So when the distance of the two particles equal to infinity, kinetic energy is zero.So C=0.
 
Usually you assume that the two particles start off at a certain distance r0 (x=r0) with speed v=0. How can you assume the two particles start at infinity?

You left off the constant of integration again in your second integral:

coki2000 said:
[tex]\frac{v^2}{2}=G\frac{M}{x}\Rightarrow \frac{dx}{dt}=\sqrt{2G\frac{M}{x}}\Rightarrow dt=\sqrt{\frac{x}{2Gm}}dx[/tex]

if we solve that differential equation then [tex]t=\frac{2}{3}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2GM}}x^{3/2}[/tex]

If you assume that the x=infinity when t=0 like you did for the first integration, you get 0=infinity+C and C=-infinity. Not a meaningful result.
 
coki2000 said:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}mv^2=E_k=\lim_{x\rightarrow \propto }{G\frac{Mm}{x}}+C=0[/tex]

So when the distance of the two particles equal to infinity, kinetic energy is zero.So C=0.
You don't know that. You are arriving at C=0 by assuming that [tex]v_{\infty} = 0[/tex], and that is not a valid assumption.
 
  • #10
ideasrule said:
Usually you assume that the two particles start off at a certain distance r0 (x=r0) with speed v=0. How can you assume the two particles start at infinity?

You left off the constant of integration again in your second integral:

If you assume that the x=infinity when t=0 like you did for the first integration, you get 0=infinity+C and C=-infinity. Not a meaningful result.
I assume two particles which effect only gravitational force.Then they have kinetic energy by the force.If the force is absent(or infinitly small) then kinetic energy is not existing.If [tex]{C}\neq0[/tex] then kinetic energy[tex]{E_k}\neq{0}[/tex] when distance is infinity.If [tex]{C}\neq0[/tex] then the formula is wrong.So it may be zero.
 
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  • #11
coki2000 said:
If the force is absent(or infinitly small) then kinetic energy is not existing.
A particle moving in empty space (no force whatsoever) with non-zero velocity has non-zero kinetic energy. The presence of a force is not a necessary condition for something to have kinetic energy.
 
  • #12
Okey.I understand my mistake.Actually the main reason of my exploration is that I want to know why the distance and force are inversely proportional and why second power of distance.Because in many formula (Coulomb's law and others) the distance and force are inversely proportional and i think if i know it, i understand many problems in my mind.Is the main reason phenomenological or from a differential equation.Please explain to me.
Thanks.
 

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