Why Does an Object Travel in an Elliptical Orbit Due to Gravitational Force?

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SUMMARY

An object travels in an elliptical orbit due to the gravitational force acting as a centripetal force. When an object is thrown, it initially follows a parabolic trajectory, which is a segment of the elliptical path that it would ultimately follow around a massive body, such as Earth. The center of the Earth acts as one of the foci of the ellipse, and the gravitational force remains a centripetal force, even though its magnitude changes during the object's motion. This understanding is crucial for comprehending orbital mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and its role in motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of centripetal force
  • Basic knowledge of elliptical geometry
  • Awareness of orbital mechanics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the laws of planetary motion as described by Kepler
  • Study Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Learn about the mathematical equations governing elliptical orbits
  • Explore simulations of orbital mechanics using tools like PhET Interactive Simulations
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Students of physics, educators teaching orbital mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of gravitational forces and their effects on motion.

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greetings

If we throw an object in straight line this objects travels in parabolic path until it hits the ground.
But in fact this parabola is only a part of an ellipse that object would travel in and center of the Earth is one of the foci points

I understand that object can circle around the Earth with certain speed due to gravitational force acting as centripetal force.

But why does object travel in elliptical orbit?

Could we still call gravitational force that causes this a centripetal force?

thank you
 
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thanx

So basically you could still call a force acting on object going in elliptical motion a centripetal force, even if it is changing its magnitude?
 

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