Orbit Equation Simplification: Solving for Period and Radius

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around rearranging equations related to gravitational forces, orbital periods, and radii. Participants are attempting to derive expressions for the period (T) and radius (R) from the gravitational equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring different rearrangements of the equation (G*M)/R^2 = (4*pi^2*R)/T^2 to isolate T and R. Some express uncertainty about the correctness of their derived forms, while others suggest checking units to verify the validity of the equations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exchange of ideas with some participants verifying each other's work. While some equations have been confirmed as correct, others have been questioned, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can provide to one another. There is also a focus on ensuring dimensional consistency in the equations being discussed.

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Homework Statement


I'm just trying to rearrange a few equations for gravity, period, radius etc., and am a tad confused.

Homework Equations


(G*M)/R^2 = (4*pi^2*R)/T^2

Want to rearrange for T and R. :)

The Attempt at a Solution


I got T to a point of...

T^2 = (4*pi^2*R)*(R^2)/GM
I think that's right, but I'm sure it can be further simplified.


Any halp? :)
 
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[tex]\frac{GM}{R^2} = \frac{4 \pi^2 R}{T^2}[/tex]


[tex]\frac{GM}{R^3} = \frac{4 \pi^2}{T^2}[/tex]


now re-arrange again.
 
Thanks! Just what I needed! Can't believe I forgot it actually, silly me.

ANYWAY, therefore...

[tex] {T^2} = {4 \pi^2} \frac{R^3}{GM}[/tex]

Yes??

and...

[tex] {R^3} = {GM} \frac{4 \pi^2}{T^2}[/tex]

and...

[tex] {M} = \frac{4 \pi^2 R^3}{G T^2}[/tex]

Just wondering if I could get these verified...
 
The second equation is wrong...rest is fine!
 
When in doubt, check the units. The gravitational constant G has the units N·(m^2)/(kg^2) = (m^3)/[kg·(sec^2)].

So the second equation couldn't be right, since the kg and the (sec^2) in the denominator of G have to be canceled out somehow in order to leave the (m^3) for R^3 on the left-hand side. The correct form must have the combination GM(T^2)...
 
So it'd be ..

R^3 = GMT^2? on 4pi^2

Oh, and I just rearranged the lorentz factor to subject v^2

v^2 = c^2(1-(1/lorentz)^2)

How's that?

Thanks guys
 
Last edited:
Both look fine.
 

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