Gravitation between the Moon and the Earth: physics project

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational interaction between the Moon and the Earth for a physics project using Newton's law of gravitation. The primary equation used is the gravitational force equation, ∑FSystem = (Gm1m2)/(R²) = ma, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 is the mass of the Moon, m2 is the mass of the Earth, and R is the distance between them. The user plans to implement Riemann sums in Excel to derive velocity and position graphs, while addressing the complexities of integrating acceleration with respect to a changing radius over time. Key considerations include fixing the Earth’s position and ensuring momentum conservation in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of gravitation and the equation ∑FSystem = (Gm1m2)/(R²) = ma
  • Familiarity with Riemann sums for numerical integration
  • Basic knowledge of Excel for implementing calculations and graphing
  • Concept of angular momentum and its relevance in orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Riemann sums in numerical integration techniques
  • Learn about angular momentum conservation in celestial mechanics
  • Explore the use of Euler integration for simulating motion in physics
  • Study the gravitational force equations in detail, particularly for two-body systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in computational modeling of celestial mechanics, particularly those focusing on gravitational interactions and numerical methods in Excel.

  • #61
isukatphysics69 said:
aw crap what
its not possible at this point, its 4 am and due tommorow
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  • #62
i am attempting to fix it
 
  • #63
i think i just fixed it, if you come back please let me know
oh my lord i think i may have just fixed it
 
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  • #64
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  • #65
Graphs are updated and still looking good, not much of a change in the graphs as i go lower the acceleration is decreasing
 
  • #66
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  • #67
I think this is what i have to go with regardless. i gave it my best shot now have to move on and will read feedback if given from prof
 
  • #68
this is screwed
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  • #69
Kudos for your tenacity ! Hope the test went well...

I mentioned you in a related thread . A lot of good reading in the pdf link in post #5.

There also is a recent earth-moon thread here:
CrosisBH said:
So I was messing with VPython, trying to create an Earth-Moon System. I got the actual gravity to work, and can create some nice ellipical orbits. However I run into trouble trying to make the actual (almost) circular orbit of the moon.
...
 
  • #70
Definitely failed that final exam but my test average this semester was 84 over 6 test so I think I will pass the course. Very disappointed in self but how on Earth ani supposed to pass a final that has 2/6 questions that we covered last week. So I answers 3/ 6 questions and we were supposed to answer 4/6 to have a chance at full credit plus this project lack of sleep and food was a recipe for disaster plus I'm just a complete moron but whatever I failed sometimes you fail
 
  • #71
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  • #72
isukatphysics69 said:
Definitely failed that final exam but my test average this semester was 84 over 6 test so I think I will pass the course. Very disappointed in self but how on Earth ani supposed to pass a final that has 2/6 questions that we covered last week. So I answers 3/ 6 questions and we were supposed to answer 4/6 to have a chance at full credit plus this project lack of sleep and food was a recipe for disaster plus I'm just a complete moron but whatever I failed sometimes you fail
Sure, and the world is a bad place etcetera
You're entitled to a bit of disappointment, not to a lamentation like this and self depreciation. Consider it a learning experience: planning, sleep, food, whatever is imoporant too and can only be ignored at a price. You come out of this better than you were. Cheer up.
Find a real shoulder if necessary. PF doesn't provide effectively in such matters :smile:
 
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  • #73
BvU said:
Sure, and the world is a bad place etcetera
You're entitled to a bit of disappointment, not to a lamentation like this and self depreciation. Consider it a learning experience: planning, sleep, food, whatever is imoporant too and can only be ignored at a price. You come out of this better than you were. Cheer up.
Find a real shoulder if necessary. PF doesn't provide effectively in such matters :smile:
Alright man thank you, I'm sure i will be back posting 10 threads per week again in the fall for physics 2. Have a good summer
BvU said:
Sure, and the world is a bad place etcetera
You're entitled to a bit of disappointment, not to a lamentation like this and self depreciation. Consider it a learning experience: planning, sleep, food, whatever is imoporant too and can only be ignored at a price. You come out of this better than you were. Cheer up.
Find a real shoulder if necessary. PF doesn't provide effectively in such matters :smile:
thank you for all the help, I'm sure I will be back for calculus 3 in a few weeks. Take care :)
 
  • #74
Good show ! See you !
 

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