- #1
Luke Cohen
- 30
- 1
Homework Statement
A force field in 2-d F~ = −kr(rˆ) with U(r) = k(r^2)/2 acts on a particle of mass m.
The particle is now in a non-circular orbit. In terms of the particle’s angular momentum L and energy E,
d) What is its closest approach to the origin? e) What is its furthest distance from the origin?
e) What is its furthest distance from the origin?
I am confused on how to start this problem. I can't switch my variable so that I get an equation for phi... Can someone help me out starting this off?
Thanks!
Homework Equations
E = T + U
T = L^2/(2r^2) b/c dr/dt = 0
U = Kr^2/2
The Attempt at a Solution
I tried to do the above and solve the r^4 + ...r^2 + ... = 0 quadratic, but I can't. Can someone please help me?