Orbital speed of an object in a circular orbit

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the orbital speed of an object in a circular orbit, specifically at varying angles from the x-axis. The central force is attractive and passes through the force center, with the orbit radius defined as 'a' and centered at (a,0). The key equation used is the angular momentum equation, L = mvr, leading to the derived formula for speed as a function of angle B: V(B) = 2*V_0 / sqrt(2*(1-cos(pi - B))). The participant expresses uncertainty regarding the applicability of this formula due to the perpendicular relationship between velocity and radius at different points in the orbit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in physics
  • Familiarity with circular motion dynamics
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and the law of cosines
  • Basic calculus, particularly second derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of angular momentum in circular motion
  • Learn about the law of cosines and its applications in physics
  • Explore the relationship between velocity and radius in non-circular orbits
  • Investigate the equations of motion in polar coordinates
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on orbital mechanics and dynamics, as well as anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of motion in gravitational fields.

Natchanon
Messages
31
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


Consider a central force is attractive but which passes through the force center. In other words, consider an orbit of radius a which is centered at (a,0), with the force center at the origin
c.) Suppose the speed at the apogee is v0 Find the oribital speed v as a function of angle B, defined as the angle from the x-axis swept by a radial line from the center of the orbit (not the origin)

Homework Equations


L = mvr

The Attempt at a Solution


I let L at apogee equal l at any point. So, m v_0 2a = m v(B) r, where I use law of cosines to write r in term of B. and V(B) = 2*V_0 / sqrt( 2*(1-cos(pi - B) ). But I'm not sure if this is correct because v and r are perpendicular at apogee, but not at other points.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need some more relevant equations to deal with this. Writing down equations for ##\ddot x## and ##\ddot y## is a start :rolleyes:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K