Question about the Kepler equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter Clara Chung
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Kepler
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around deriving the value of 7.27 from the Kepler equation, specifically the formula 1/r = a/b² * (1 + e cosθ). Participants share their attempts at manipulating the equation by substituting variables such as r and e, and rearranging terms to achieve the desired result. Key steps include substituting for b²/a² in terms of e and simplifying the equation to reach the conclusion. The collaborative effort highlights the importance of algebraic manipulation in solving orbital mechanics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation techniques
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Learn advanced algebraic manipulation techniques for solving equations
  • Explore the implications of eccentricity (e) in orbital mechanics
  • Investigate the application of trigonometric identities in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying orbital mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of celestial mechanics.

Clara Chung
Messages
300
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


59.png


Homework Equations


1/r = a/b2 * (1+e cosθ)

The Attempt at a Solution


How do you derive 7.27?
I tried to substitute r in the orbit equation by (acosψ - ae) / cosθ and got
(cos ψ - e)/cosθ*(1+e cosθ)=b^2/a^2 I don't know what to do next. Please help, thank you.
 

Attachments

  • 59.png
    59.png
    32.7 KB · Views: 764
Physics news on Phys.org
Clara Chung said:
(cos ψ - e)/cosθ*(1+e cosθ)=b^2/a^2
I believe this is OK. You just need to manipulate it to get (7.27). I don't know the quickest way, but I found something that works. I don't want to give too much away.
Rearrange your equation as (cos ψ - e)*(1+e cosθ)=(b^2/a^2)*cosθ. Substitute for b^2/a^2 in terms of e. Multiply everything out and see if you can get to the result.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Clara Chung
I tried hard by substituting (b^2/a^2) but still can't figure out the equation... Then I changed my mind to substitute for e. Thank you so much.
(cos ψ - e)*(1+e cosθ)=(b^2/a^2)*cosθ

(ecos ψ - 1+b^2/a^2)*(1+e cosθ)=(b^2/a^2)*cosθ*e

-(1-ecosψ)(1+ecosθ)+(b^2/a^2)e cosθ+(b^2/a^2)=(b^2/a^2)*cosθ*e

(1-ecosψ)(1+ecosθ)=(b^2/a^2)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: TSny
Nice.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K