Understanding the Meaning of 'p' in Equation: p^2 = (4pi^2)(a^3)/G(m1+m2)

[aerogurl2]

hi, there's something that i don't understand in the following equation:

p^2 = (4pi^2)(a^3)/G(m1+m2)

is the p a distance measured from the center of the first object to the center of the second object? or is it just the distance between them, for example a satelitte dish is 300km above the Earth's surface, so would p be 300km or 300km+radius of earth?

 

[andrevdh]

http://www.allrefer.com/kepler-s-laws-of-planetary-motion"

 

[m2003]

Hello,

Thank you for your question. In this equation, 'p' represents the orbital period of the two objects, which is the time it takes for them to complete one orbit around each other. It is not a distance measurement, but rather a measure of time.

To answer your question, the value of 'p' would depend on the specific context of the problem. If the objects are orbiting around each other at a distance of 300km above the Earth's surface, then the value of 'p' would be the time it takes for them to complete one orbit at that specific distance. However, if the objects are orbiting at a different distance, the value of 'p' would change accordingly.

I hope this helps clarify the meaning of 'p' in this equation. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Thank you.