Speed update of a comet in an ELLIPTICAL orbit

In summary, a comet is orbiting the Sun in an elliptical orbit, with its closest approach being 5e10 m and its speed at that point being 9e4 m/s. Its farthest distance from the Sun is beyond the orbit of Pluto. The approximate distance of Pluto from the Sun is 6e12 m. The conservation of energy can be used to calculate the comet's speed at this distance, but the necessary equations are unknown.
  • #1
shnav34
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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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  • #2
Have you tried the conservation of energy?
 
  • #3
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
 

1. How does the speed of a comet change as it moves through its elliptical orbit?

The speed of a comet varies as it moves through its elliptical orbit due to changes in its distance from the sun. As the comet gets closer to the sun, it speeds up due to the increased gravitational pull. As it moves away from the sun, it slows down.

2. What factors influence the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit?

The speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit is primarily influenced by its distance from the sun and the gravitational force exerted by the sun. Other factors such as the mass and composition of the comet can also play a role in its speed.

3. How do scientists calculate the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit?

Scientists use mathematical equations, such as Kepler's laws of planetary motion, to calculate the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit. They also use data from telescopes and spacecraft to track the comet's position and determine its speed at different points in its orbit.

4. Can the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit change over time?

Yes, the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit can change over time due to various factors such as the gravitational influence of other objects in the solar system, collisions with other objects, and outgassing from the comet itself. Scientists continue to monitor and study comets to better understand these changes in speed.

5. How does the speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit affect its behavior?

The speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit can affect its behavior in several ways. A faster speed can cause the comet to release more gas and dust, creating a larger and more visible tail. It can also impact the trajectory of the comet's orbit and determine how close it comes to the sun. Changes in speed can also affect the composition of the comet and its potential for collisions with other objects in the solar system.

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