Proving Kepler's 2nd Law: Pluto's Area Sweep

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving Kepler's 2nd Law using Pluto's orbital parameters. The major axis of Pluto's orbit is 11.8 x 109 km with an eccentricity of 0.25, leading to perihelion and aphelion distances of 4,425,000,000 km and 7,375,000,000 km, respectively. The minimum orbital velocity of Pluto is given as 3.7 km/s. The area swept out by Pluto can be calculated using the formula Area = 1/2 x (Distance to sun) x (Current Velocity) x (Time), where the challenge lies in determining the velocity at perihelion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's Laws of planetary motion
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics and eccentricity
  • Knowledge of basic geometry for area calculations
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations for distance and velocity
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  • Research how to calculate orbital velocity at different points in an elliptical orbit
  • Study the derivation of Kepler's 2nd Law and its implications
  • Explore the application of the area formula in celestial mechanics
  • Investigate the effects of eccentricity on orbital dynamics
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Students studying astronomy, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding planetary motion and orbital mechanics.

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Homework Statement



I have to prove that A1=A2, or the fact that planets will sweep out equal areas in equal amounts of time. The planet I have to do this for is Pluto. Basically, I need help finding the area it "sweeps out" over any length of time of my choosing.

Homework Equations



major axis = 11.8 x 10^9 km
eccentricity = .25
minimum orbital velocity = 3.7 km/s

The Attempt at a Solution



So far, I've found the distance of the perihelion and the aphelion.

To do this I did: eccentricity = distance b/w foci / major axis

then i solved for the foci by doing: dis b/w foci = .25 * 11.8e9

that gave me the distance between the foci, so I was able to find out that the perihelion is 4425000000 km away and the aphelion is 7375000000 km.

Now do I just make a triangle for each with the legs being the distance away and the other being time traveled. It's hard to explain, but this picture shows it well:

http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/senior/cosmicengine/images/cosmoimg/kepler2ndlaw.gif

So basically, how do I prove that those two areas equal with the info I now have

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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I believe this equation may help

Area=1/2 x (Distance to sun) x (Current Velocity) x (Time)


so would it be

(.5)(perihelion dis)(?)(anything)

then

(,5)(aphelion dis)(?)(anything)

I put "?"'s in the velocity spot because I don't know how to find the velocity
 
I just noticed that it gives me Pluto's minimum orbital velocity at 3.7 km/s. So would plugging that into the formula above, the area one, give me the area of the aphelion (since it would be going slowest then)? Also, how would I determine the velocity of the perihelion.
 

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