Orbital Velocity vs Mass and Orbital Velocity vs Radius

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between the orbital velocity of a satellite and the mass of the celestial body it orbits, as described by the equation v = √(Gm/r), where G is the gravitational constant (6.67x10^-11). Participants clarify that velocity (V) is directly proportional to the square root of mass (m) and inversely proportional to the square root of radius (r). For graphing, it is suggested to plot V² against mass (m) and 1/r to achieve linear relationships. Proportionality constants are discussed, emphasizing that one constant suffices for both direct and inverse relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics and the concept of orbital velocity.
  • Familiarity with the equation v = √(Gm/r) and its components.
  • Knowledge of graphing techniques, particularly for proportional relationships.
  • Basic understanding of proportionality constants in mathematical equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive and manipulate the equation v = √(Gm/r) for different scenarios.
  • Study graphing techniques for quadratic relationships and their linear transformations.
  • Explore the concept of proportionality constants in physics and their applications.
  • Investigate the implications of varying mass and radius on satellite velocity in practical scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on gravitational forces and orbital mechanics, as well as educators looking for effective ways to teach these concepts.

ha9981
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Homework Statement



Graph the relationship between the speed of a satellite orbiting a large mass in uniform circular motion. Also I need to learn how to properly write proportionality constant and proportionality equation.

Homework Equations


in the equation below, m is the mass of the larger mass. G is gravitational constant 6.67x10^-11.

v = [tex]\sqrt{Gm/r}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I think that:

V is directly proportional to sqrt of Gm (v [tex]\propto[/tex] [tex]\sqrt{Gm/r}[/tex]]
and
V is inversely proportional to sqrt of r ( v [tex]\propto[/tex] 1/r )

Now how do i graph these, i have ideas:
Remove the square root by making the y-axis squared.
And first proportionality is linear and the second one is decreasing from value of 1 because its 1/r relationship and maximum y value is 1.

For writing proportionality statements is everything in the numerator directly proportional, and everything in the denominator inversely proportional?
Also how does the proportionality constants work? I know you have to introduce them with I believe every relationship. Do they go with the inverse relationships as well? And with equations with numerator and denominator is there a constant on both top and bottom or is it made into one value.
 
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ha9981 said:

Homework Statement



Graph the relationship between the speed of a satellite orbiting a large mass in uniform circular motion. Also I need to learn how to properly write proportionality constant and proportionality equation.

Homework Equations


in the equation below, m is the mass of the larger mass. G is gravitational constant 6.67x10^-11.

v = [tex]\sqrt{Gm/r}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I think that:

V is directly proportional to sqrt of Gm (v [tex]\propto[/tex] [tex]\sqrt{Gm/r}[/tex]]
and
V is inversely proportional to sqrt of r ( v [tex]\propto[/tex] 1/r )
Looks good. However it may be better to state the relation between V and m, without the G, since G is a constant and not a variable.

Now how do i graph these, i have ideas:
Remove the square root by making the y-axis squared.
I don't think that's necessary, you should be able to simply graph y and x (whatever they are). Has your teacher said anything about trying to make the graph be a straight line?

And first proportionality is linear and the second one is decreasing from value of 1 because its 1/r relationship and maximum y value is 1.
I don't understand this.

For writing proportionality statements is everything in the numerator directly proportional, and everything in the denominator inversely proportional?
Pretty much. But that really only applies to variables in the numerator or denominator. It shouldn't be necessary (most of the time) to talk about how something varies with respect to a constant like G.

Also how does the proportionality constants work? I know you have to introduce them with I believe every relationship. Do they go with the inverse relationships as well?
Yes, constants are involved in inverse relationships.

And with equations with numerator and denominator is there a constant on both top and bottom or is it made into one value.
One constant should suffice, in general.

Hope this helps.
 
When I am asked to write the proportionality constant for these things would I just write G or the eqn with G?

Also I am thinking that after I remove the G from that eqn above I should put a K outside as a proportionality constant.

About making the graphs linear I would make y-axis v^2 and the x-axis for the first graph m and the second graph 1/r. Is that right? And I am guessing graph would look like one with a slope of 1 .
 

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