How Do You Calculate the Velocity of a Comet at Different Points in Its Orbit?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a comet at different points in its orbit using the principles of conservation of energy and momentum. Specifically, it addresses a scenario where a comet of mass m is observed at two distances, r1 and r2, from the Sun, with initial speed v1 and an angle θ between the velocity vector and the radius vector at r2. The key takeaway is that the final velocity v2 can be determined using the conservation laws, which relate the initial and final states of the comet's motion.

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Velocity of coment?? help please

Homework Statement



A certain comet of mass m at its closest approach to the Sun is observed to be at a distance r1 from the center of the Sun, moving with speed v1. At a later time the comet is observed to be at a distance r2 from the center of the Sun, and the angle between r2 and the velocity vector is measured to be θ. What is v2? For example, if a variable g is used in the question, type g. Use theta for θ, r_1 for r1, r_2 for r2, v_1 for v1 and m as needed.

pic is attached so you can see what I am looking at as well.

im completely stuck don't even know where to begin!
 

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Hi fball558! :wink:

(eughh … why is v1 in your diagram pointing up? )

Hint: conservation of … ? :smile:
 

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