Solve Inverse Cubed Force: Find A & B in r(θ) for E & L

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a body of mass m moving under the influence of a repulsive inverse cubed force, expressed as F = K/r^3. The objective is to determine the path r(θ) of the body, represented by the equation 1/r = A cos[β(θ-θ₀], and to find the constants A and β in terms of energy E and angular momentum L.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to modify a previous solution involving an inverse square force to apply it to the inverse cubed scenario. They express confusion over the inclusion of an inverse square term in their calculations.
  • Some participants question the validity of including both force terms and suggest that the inverse square term should not be present in the context of the inverse cubed force.
  • There is an exploration of Newton's theorem of revolving orbits, with the original poster expressing uncertainty about their direction in the problem-solving process.
  • Further attempts to simplify the equations are noted, but the original poster still expresses difficulty in progressing from their current state.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach and pointing out inconsistencies. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the force terms involved, and some guidance has been offered regarding the simplification of the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific methods or formats for presenting their solutions. The original poster is attempting to adapt previous knowledge to a new context, leading to some confusion about the correct application of concepts.

ghostops
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Question: A body of mass m is moving in a repulsive inverse cubed force given by
F = K/r^3 where K > 0​
show the path r(θ) of the body given by
1/r = A cos[β(θ-θο)]
Find the values of constants A and β in terms of E, L.

Work done so far:
we did a similar problem with inverse square so I am attempting to modify that for use with cubes

so far I have
F = K/r^2+K/r^3
V(r) = ∫ F(r)dr
V(r) = K/r + K/2r^2
dr/dθ = r^2/L√[2u(E-L^2/2ur^2-K/r - K/2r^2)]

distributing and moving L
dθ=dr/r^2 1/√[2uE/L^2 - 1/r^2 - uK/L^2r^2 - 2uK/L^2r]^-½
substituting 1/r for ω and dr/r^2 for dω
dθ=dω1/√[2uE/L^2 - ω^2 - uKω^2/L^2 - 2uKω/L^2]^-½
from here our professor wants us to reduce this to dθ=dω/√(a^2+x^2) so we can use trig sub we are running into issues and don't really know how to move forward. any help would be useful.

Thank you in advance
 
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Your question says that the force is inverse cube. In your work, you have two forces, an inverse square, + an inverse cube. Why did you do that?
 
I was trying to apply Newton's theorem of revolving orbits and I believe I just went completely off from where I should have been heading
 
The inverse square term should not be there.
 
ok so without that it becomes

F = K/r^3
V(r) = ∫ F(r)dr
V(r) = K/2r^2
dr/dθ = r^2/L√[2u(E-L^2/2ur^2- K/2r^2)]
distributing and moving L​
dθ=dr/r^2 1/√[2uE/L^2 - 1/r^2 - uK/L^2r^2]^-½
substituting 1/r for ω and dr/r^2 for dω
dθ=dω1/√[2uE/L^2 - ω^2 - uKω^2/L^2]^-½
consolidating
dθ=dω1/√[2uE/L^2 - (1+ uK/L^2)ω^2]^-½
I still do not where to go from here however

again thank you for any help provided
 

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