# Quick question on Newton, gravity and planetary movement

1. Dec 11, 2015

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Hi,

I've been tasked with showing that the length of vector F_gravity is inversely proportional with radius squared (i.e. |F_vector|=c/r^2) and is central, i.e. consistently directed toward the same point. Apparently, this is the same as (<=>) the acceleration of a particle following an elliptical path being radial (and thus, directed towards the same point as F) *and* it being equal to

a_r = - C/r (1)

where C is a universal constant.

C ends up being 4*π^2*(a^3/T^2), i.e. positive.

My questions are: Why is there a minus in (1), and what is the explanation for the <=> being valid? I realize it's Newtons 2nd law, but the constants C and c could conceivably differ by more than m, no?

Apologies for the shoddy notions, not used to doing physics in english (or writing formulas outside of Word...)

2. Relevant equations
|F_vector|=k*1/r^2 and central
<=>
a_r = - C*1/r (1)

where C is a universal constant. C ends up being 4*π^2*(a^3/T^2), i.e. positive.

3. The attempt at a solution
Can't figure it out.

Last edited: Dec 11, 2015
2. Dec 11, 2015

### haruspex

The minus sign is because the acceleration is towards the origin, the point r is measured from, so tends to reduce r.
I don't see that it matters that the constants can be different. You are only asked to show that there exist constants that make the two equivalent.

3. Dec 11, 2015

Gah, I messed up - forgot to put r^2 rather than just r in the formula for a_r.

4. Dec 11, 2015

### haruspex

Yes, I didn't check that since your questions didn't depend on that detail. Are you ok with this now?

5. Dec 11, 2015

Hm. So the force exerted on the Earth by the Sun would be considered negative as well, or? (Also, I don't understand what you mean by "so tends to reduce r").

I reckon I get the constants thing.

6. Dec 11, 2015

### haruspex

r is the distance from the Sun to the Earth, so is positive. $\dot r$ is the rate of increase of r, so is speed measured away from the Sun. The acceleration is the rate of increase of velocity away from the Sun, but it will be towards the Sun in practice, so its value will be negative. That is, over time, it acts to reduce the velocity (as a signed quantity) and hence to reduce r; in short, gravity attracts.

7. Dec 11, 2015