Orbital Potential Energy to find r and phi in terms of t.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the expressions for r and φ in terms of time t for a particle in a central force field, given the orbit equation r = cφ², where c is a constant. The potential energy is established as U = -l²/μ(2c/r³ + l/2r²), with l representing angular momentum and μ the reduced mass. The key equation l = μr²(dφ/dt) is utilized to integrate and find r²(t) = lt/μ. The next step involves determining dφ/dt to facilitate the integration process for r and φ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of central force fields in classical mechanics
  • Familiarity with angular momentum and reduced mass concepts
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in calculus
  • Proficiency in manipulating polar coordinates in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of potential energy in central force problems
  • Learn about the integration of angular velocity in polar coordinates
  • Explore the relationship between angular momentum and radial motion
  • Investigate the application of conservation laws in orbital mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying classical mechanics, particularly those focusing on orbital dynamics and potential energy calculations in central force fields.

10Exahertz
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Homework Statement


A particle in central force field has the orbit r=cφ^2, c is a constant. Find the potential energy, Find r and phi in terms of t.
I get how to find the potential energy and found it to be U=-l^2/mu (2c/r^3+l/2r^2)
l is angular momentum and mu is the reduced mass
But how do I get r and phi in terms of t after this?

Homework Equations


From what my professor showed in class l=mu r^2 dφ/dt was important
he used that to integrate and get r^2(t)=lt/mu
I'm trying to use this method to get r and phi

Any help is much appreciated, thanks!
 
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10Exahertz said:
I'm trying to use this method to get r and phi
Sounds good. Once you have dφ/dt, you can get dt/dφ and integrate.
 

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