The Motion Of Objects Thrown Away From Earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the distance function for an object thrown away from Earth, utilizing the gravitational acceleration formula g = c/r², where c represents the gravitational constant GM. The user inquires about solving the differential equation r'' = c/r², indicating a lack of familiarity with differential equations. The conversation highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate coordinate system, such as spherical polar coordinates, and constructing a free body diagram to analyze the forces acting on the object.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and constants, specifically GM.
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations and their applications.
  • Familiarity with spherical polar coordinates in physics.
  • Ability to construct and interpret free body diagrams.
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  • Study the Central Force Problem as outlined in classical mechanics resources.
  • Learn how to solve differential equations relevant to motion under gravity.
  • Explore the effects of Earth's rotation on projectile motion.
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of ballistic trajectories for objects in varying gravitational fields.
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Physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of objects in gravitational fields and projectile motion analysis.

Correia
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How can the function for distance over time be found for an object which is thrown away from Earth? Acceleration as a function of distance is

g = GM/r^2,

where GM is constant, so let c = GM, then

g = c/r^2.

Then I wondered, maybe the formula for distance can be found by solving the differential equation

r'' = c/r^2?

I have never studied differential equations, so I have no idea about it, even to whether I can really say r'' = c/r^2.

If someone can elucidate my mind, I shall be grateful.
 
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Welcome to PF;

Have a look at:
http://home.comcast.net/~szemengtan/ClassicalMechanics/SingleParticle.pdf
The general approach is given in section 1.7: "Central Force Problem"

The basic technique should be familiar, you choose a coordinate system that makes sense (spherical polar) and construct a free body diagram for your mass... put ##\vec{F}=m\vec{a}## and solve the differential equation for the appropriate initial condition.

Were you thinking of the Earth specifically or a non-rotating spherical mass M radius R?
Did you intend to throw the mass m directly upwards? (i.e. radially outwards) or solve the ballistics problem for the situation where the projectile does not remain close to the surface?
(The rotation of the Earth, etc, affects the result.)

Note: ##\vec{F}=-mg(r)\vec{r}/r: r>R##
 
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