Gravitation between the Moon and the Earth: physics project
- Thread starter isukatphysics69
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- Earth Gravitation Moon Physics Project
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a physics project focused on the gravitational interaction between the Moon and the Earth. Participants are exploring the net forces acting on the Moon, the calculations of acceleration, and the integration of these values to derive velocity and position graphs using Excel.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the net force equation and the implications of assuming only the Moon is moving, raising concerns about conservation of momentum. There are suggestions to consider the Earth as fixed and to justify this assumption. Some participants also explore the need for accurate initial conditions, such as velocity and position, and question how to account for the changing radius over time.
Discussion Status
Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about assumptions and exploring different approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for reasonable starting values and the importance of tracking both positions and velocities. There is no explicit consensus, but productive discussions are ongoing.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that the project constraints require focusing on the Moon and Earth system, with some expressing concern about the complexity of modeling both bodies in motion. There is mention of homework rules that may limit the approach taken.
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