Elliptical Orbits velocity and distance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the velocity of a satellite and its distance from the center of mass of a planet in an elliptical orbit. The participants clarify that the correct expression relating these variables is derived from the conservation of energy principle, specifically that the total energy remains constant throughout the orbit. The confusion arises from the incorrect application of Kepler's second law and the misinterpretation of energy equations. The correct formulation is that the total energy of the satellite does not change, and the equation involving the gravitational constant (GM) is essential for understanding the dynamics of elliptical orbits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Knowledge of elliptical orbits and their properties
  • Basic principles of orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Kepler's laws, particularly the second law regarding angular momentum
  • Explore the concepts of total mechanical energy in orbital dynamics
  • Learn about the gravitational constant (G) and its role in orbital calculations
  • Investigate the mathematical relationships in elliptical orbits, including energy conservation
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Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of satellite motion in elliptical orbits will benefit from this discussion.

garva
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This question is of an elliptical orbit with v1 ant its distance r1 and a second v2 with distance r2 located a different point in the elliptical orbit
Which general relation connects the speed
vi of the satellite and its distance ri from
the center of mass of the planet at any two
arbitrary points on the orbit?

I thought it was r1 v1 = r2 v2 based on Keplers 2 law
but that is not the answer, and I am confused between these two i know it might be a because
that is the equation of total energy, but what confuse me is that its multiplied by 2

a)v^2−(2GM/r1)= v^2−(2GM/r2)

b)v^2/r1=v^2/r2

I hope you all can clear my confusion thank you
 
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garva said:
I thought it was r1 v1 = r2 v2 based on Keplers 2 law
One way to express Kepler's 2nd law is that [itex]r v_{\perp} = \text{constant}[/itex], where [itex]r v_{\perp}[/itex] is the component of the velocity perpendicular to the line connecting the center of the planet and the satellite.

im confused between these two i know it might be a because
that is the equation of total energy, but what confuse me is that its multiplied by 2

a)v^2−(2GM/r1)= v^2−(2GM/r2)

b)v^2/r1=v^2/r2

The total energy of the satellite doesn't change; it is a constant of the orbit. If you multiply a constant by 2 (or by any other constant) you still have a constant.

One of those equations is indeed just the total energy times some constant. The other one is wrong.
 

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