Required velocity for a stable orbit?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of orbital velocity for two objects, one with a mass of 1kg at the origin and the other with a mass of 0.1kg at a distance of X meters. The group discusses how the size and mass of the objects affect the required tangential velocity for a stable orbit, and provides an equation for calculating the critical velocity needed for the lighter object to form an orbit. They also mention that if the velocity is greater than the critical velocity, the object will fly off forever. The conversation ends with confusion as to why the topic was moved to this forum.
  • #1
qwedsa
16
0
Say we have two objects. One is at the origin with mass = 1kg, the other is X meters away with mass 0.1kg

Is there a way to calculate the velocity required to form a stable orbit, depending on the distance of the smaller object?
 
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  • #2
Are you trying to calculate the orbital velocity, mr. qwesda?
 
  • #3
^hey complex. i didn't know there was the term 'orbital velocity'

googling this term should give me everything i need, thanks
 
  • #4
Hey guys ;) Depends on the size of the objects. If the objects are both points, then any sideways velocity will be enough for them never to collide because the conservation of angular momentum prevents it.

The bigger the objects, the more tangential velocity they need, because they can't have their centres get closer than the sum of their radii, that would be a collision.
 
  • #5
Is this not the case of equating circular motion forces with gravitational attraction forces...
 
  • #6
someone on another forum (BL) gave me this handy equation:

crit_velocity = sqrt( 2*G*m1 / dist )

where m1 is the mass of hte heavier object. note, this only works if hte mass of the lighter object is much much lighter than the heavier object

if the velocity of the lighter object is less than the critical velocity, then it will form an orbit. if it's greater than the crit_vel, then it will fly off forever
 
Last edited:
  • #7
dont know why this was moved here, it wasnt hw, I'm not even in physics
 

1. What is the required velocity for a stable orbit?

The required velocity for a stable orbit, also known as orbital velocity, is the speed at which an object must travel in order to maintain a circular orbit around another object, such as a planet or moon. This velocity is dependent on the mass and radius of the objects involved, as well as the distance between them.

2. How is the required velocity for a stable orbit calculated?

The required velocity for a stable orbit can be calculated using the formula v = √(G * M / r), where v is the required velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the central object, and r is the distance between the two objects.

3. Why is the required velocity for a stable orbit important?

The required velocity for a stable orbit is important because if an object does not have enough velocity, it will not be able to maintain a stable orbit and will either crash into the central object or escape its gravitational pull. This is crucial for space missions and satellite operations.

4. Can the required velocity for a stable orbit change?

Yes, the required velocity for a stable orbit can change if any of the variables in the orbital velocity formula change. For example, if the mass of the central object increases, the required velocity will also increase. Similarly, if the distance between the two objects changes, the required velocity will also change.

5. How does the required velocity for a stable orbit differ for different planets?

The required velocity for a stable orbit differs for different planets because it is dependent on the mass and radius of the planet. Planets with larger masses and radii will have a higher required velocity for a stable orbit compared to smaller planets. Additionally, the distance between the planet and the object being orbited will also affect the required velocity.

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