Speed update of a comet in an ELLIPTICAL orbit

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, specifically at a distance of 6e12 meters, which approximates Pluto's distance from the Sun. The closest approach to the Sun is noted at 5e10 meters with a speed of 9e4 m/s. Participants emphasize the application of the conservation of energy principle to solve for the comet's speed at varying distances, indicating that the gravitational potential energy equation Ug(r) = -G(m1*m2)/r is relevant but requires further clarification for accurate application.

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  • Understanding of elliptical orbits in celestial mechanics
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy equations
  • Knowledge of the conservation of energy principle in physics
  • Basic proficiency in algebra and solving equations
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  • Study the conservation of mechanical energy in orbital mechanics
  • Learn about gravitational potential energy and its applications
  • Explore the equations of motion for elliptical orbits
  • Investigate the role of mass and distance in gravitational interactions
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Astronomy students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of celestial bodies in elliptical orbits.

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A comet is in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. Its closest approach to the Sun is a distance of 5e10 m (inside the orbit of Mercury), at which point its speed is 9e4 m/s. Its farthest distance from the Sun is far beyond the orbit of Pluto. What is its speed when it is 6e12 m from the Sun? (This is the approximate distance of Pluto from the Sun.)



Homework Equations


Ug(r) = -G(m1*m2)/r
this is a guess, the problem is i don't know what equations to use

i tried to solve it with an incorrect method and got a speed of 3500 something m/s
 
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Have you tried the conservation of energy?
 
that's the problem, everyone says that and i have no idea what is needed equations are needed to figure that out what the conservation of energy is
 

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