Finding Kelper's Constant with only radius or period given.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding Kepler's constant for the moons of Uranus using given average radius and period data. The original poster expresses confusion about how to calculate the constant when only one of the two variables (radius or period) is provided for some moons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship defined by Kepler's laws, questioning how to derive Kepler's constant (K) without the mass of Uranus. There is discussion about whether K remains consistent across different moons orbiting the same planet and how to utilize known values to infer missing variables.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants examining the implications of having incomplete data. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Kepler's constant for calculations, but no consensus has been reached on how to proceed without the mass of Uranus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of the mass of Uranus as a significant constraint in solving the problem, which affects their ability to apply the formulas discussed.

zeion
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Homework Statement



I'm given a chart that states the r average and T in Earth days for the moons of Uranus and I have to find the Kepler's constant for the last four moons, which only gives me either the radius or period.. I am confused. How can I find K with only r or T? I need at least the mass of Uranus yes?


The Attempt at a Solution



Am I suppose to find out the mass of Uranus myself somehow?
 
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What is Kepler's constant?

Isn't it going to be the same for any orbits of the same body - Uranus in this case?

K = T2/r3
 
I'm being asked to find K for each individual moons; each of which has a different period and radius. I was given both the T and r for the first four so I could find K easily, but for the last four I'm only given either r or T, which I think would require me to use

GM/4(pi)^2 = K = r^3 / T^2

But since I wasn't given mass of Uranus (M), I can't :/

The formula IS K = r^3 / T^2 right?
 
zeion said:
I'm being asked to find K for each individual moons; each of which has a different period and radius. I was given both the T and r for the first four so I could find K easily, but for the last four I'm only given either r or T, which I think would require me to use

GM/4(pi)^2 = K = r^3 / T^2

But since I wasn't given mass of Uranus (M), I can't :/

The formula IS K = r^3 / T^2 right?

I think the point is that you use Kepler's Constant from the ones you are given to determine the other missing variables for what you aren't given, because it should be after all a constant for objects orbiting the same body right? Kepler's 3rd Law?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler's_laws_of_planetary_motion#The_Third_law

T12/r13 = T22/r23
 
Oh okay, I think you're right.
Thanks.
 

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