Planetary Motion: Elliptic Equation, Venus Orbit, Satellite Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around planetary motion, specifically focusing on the elliptical equations governing orbits, with particular attention to Venus's orbit and the effects of changes in the sun's mass. Participants also explore the implications of changing a satellite's velocity at an apsis on its orbital path.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the elliptic equation to determine the effects of a sudden change in the sun's mass on Venus's orbit and to analyze the consequences of doubling a satellite's velocity at an apsis. Some participants suggest using conservation of energy and angular momentum as potential approaches, while others question the definitions and implications of eccentricity in relation to conic sections.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problems, offering various approaches and clarifications. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of conservation laws, but there remains a lack of consensus on the specific methods to apply, particularly in the context of the satellite's new orbit after a velocity change.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions of terms such as "apsis" and the conditions for different types of orbits based on eccentricity. Additionally, participants express uncertainty about the application of energy conservation principles in the context of the problems presented.

fahd
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hi i hv these 2 doubts...i tried using the elliptic equation:
r= a(1-e^2)/[1-e cos(theta)] however i can't really figure out how do i determine the answer,,i mean if i could know what exactly to do.

1) the orbit of venus is very near circular (e=0.0068).Assuming that the orbit is completely circular, what wud be the orbital motion of Venus if the mass of the sun were to suddenly drop by a factor of two?Would Venus be able to remain in the solar sysytem?if so at what radius cud it be found?

2)A satellite moves in an elliptic orbit with e= 0.5 around a planet from which it is launched.When it arrives at an apsis (a radial turning point),its velocity is suddenyl doubled .Show that the new orbit will be either paraboloc or hyperbolic according to which of the turning points the velocity doubling occurs?


***

i really want to know how to do these so that i can apply similar concepts to solve the other questions too..
also another quick question...given 'r' describing the motion of a planet in ,how can i find the speed?
thanks.
 
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The first one you start with Conservation of energy. You can find the kinetic energy by using Centripetal acceleration. Once you know that, you plug it into your Cons. of Energy. Equation. Then you look look at the potential energy term. You know that if the mass of the sun drops suddenly to half of its original value, then the potential energy changes specifically M_sun ---> .5M_Sun. Youll find that the total energy goes to zero! And because its zero, it goes into a parabolic orbit.
You can find the speed at a particular point in the orbit by using conservation of angular momentum if you have a velocity at some point. Or you could differentiate with respect to time, your orbit equation
As for your next question ill have to think about it for awhile. Hope this helps
 
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they can both be solved in the same manner. when dealing with conic section remember that the eccentricity [itex]\epsilon[/itex] is what determines the form of the conic. If [itex]\epsilon \geq 1[/itex] then the orbit will not be a closed path. recall:
[tex]\epsilon = \sqrt{1 + E \frac{2 m { \ell }^2} {k^2}}[/tex]
where k is the constant from the potential energy function (2GMm), and [itex]\ell = | \vec{r} \times \vec{v} |[/itex]

also, in your problem two, an apsis isn't a 'turning point' as the particle does not reverse motion.
an apsis is where r has a maximum/minimum value, which correspong to the perihilion and aphelion.
 
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thanks

thanks a lot for all ur help...
ill make sure i apply this concept to the other questions as well..
thanks again!
 
fahd said:
thanks a lot for all ur help...
ill make sure i apply this concept to the other questions as well..
thanks again!

a quick question..dun u think. the constant K shud be GMm instead of
2GMm.
thanks
 
yup.
don't know why i put a 2 there.
sorry.
/s
 
2)A satellite moves in an elliptic orbit with e= 0.5 around a planet from which it is launched.When it arrives at an apsis (a radial turning point),its velocity is suddenyl doubled .Show that the new orbit will be either paraboloc or hyperbolic according to which of the turning points the velocity doubling occurs?

i am not quite knowing homework to do this question..tried all stuff..but always contradicts facts..i used the equation for mechanicsla energy conservation and then tried to state that fopr parabolic or hyperbolic motion, e has to be =0 and >0 respectively...however for the parabolic path its ok but its contradicting my answer for the hperbolic type
can sumone help with sum other method??
thanks...:(
 
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no
[itex]\epsilon = 1[/itex] for parabolic orbit, and > 1 for hyperbolic
when [itex]\epsilon = 0[/itex] , it is circular orbit and when [tex]0 < \epsilon < 1[/tex] it is elliptical.
 

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