The square of an orbital period

In summary, the expression for the orbital period T is T= 2*pi*R^(3/2)/sqrt(G*M). To find the expression for T^2, we can use the property that if x = y*z^(3/2), then x^2 = y^2*z^3. This simplifies the process of finding T^2 and also helps in making the expression look more organized and "pretty" by writing variables in terms of integer powers.
  • #1
badman
57
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this is the expression ofr the orbital period T= 2*pi*R^(3/2)/sqrt(G*M) that i found
now the next question asks me to find an expression for T^2=?
 
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  • #2
The answer is fairly simple...

If x = y*z^(3/2)
Then x^2 = y^2*z^3

If you simply square the expression on the right hand side of your equation
you should get the answer quite easily.

The reason why you are probably asked to find T^2 is because...
If you notice there are a lot of variables that are not raised to an integer power. In order to make the expression look more "pretty" it is better to write our variables in terms of integer powers as opposed to something raised to the 3/2 power or the square root.

I.E. sometimes its more conveinant to write a^2 = b rahter than a = sqrt(b)
 
  • #3


The expression for T^2 would be T^2 = (2*pi*R^(3/2)/sqrt(G*M))^2 = 4*pi^2*R^3/G*M. This expression represents the square of the orbital period, which is a measure of the time it takes for an object to complete one full orbit around another object. It is derived from Kepler's third law, which states that the square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit. This expression is useful in calculating the orbital period for different objects, as it takes into account the mass and distance between the objects.
 

1. What is the square of an orbital period?

The square of an orbital period is a mathematical calculation that involves multiplying the orbital period (the time it takes for an object to complete one orbit) by itself. It is represented by the formula T2, where T is the orbital period in seconds.

2. Why is the square of an orbital period important?

The square of an orbital period is important because it is directly related to the distance between the orbiting object and the central body. This relationship is known as Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion and helps us understand the dynamics of planetary motion in our solar system and beyond.

3. How is the square of an orbital period calculated?

The square of an orbital period is calculated by multiplying the orbital period by itself. For example, if an object has an orbital period of 10 seconds, the square of its orbital period would be 10 x 10 = 100 seconds squared.

4. What units are used for the square of an orbital period?

The square of an orbital period is typically measured in seconds squared (s2). This unit is commonly used in calculations involving orbital mechanics and planetary motion.

5. Can the square of an orbital period be used to predict the distance between objects?

Yes, the square of an orbital period can be used to predict the distance between objects. According to Kepler's Third Law, the square of the orbital period is directly proportional to the cube of the distance between the objects. This means that by knowing the square of the orbital period, we can calculate the distance between objects in a given system.

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