Universal gravitational, elliptical orbits

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular momentum of a spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around Earth. Given the spacecraft's mass of 1000 kg, its distance from Earth at 1.2 x 107 meters, and its velocity of 7.1 x 103 meters per second, the angular momentum can be determined using the formula L = r x p, where p is the momentum. The conservation of energy and angular momentum principles are emphasized as crucial for solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum (L = I)
  • Familiarity with the cross product in physics (L = r x p)
  • Knowledge of momentum (p = mv)
  • Basic concepts of elliptical orbits and gravitational forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of angular momentum in orbital mechanics
  • Learn about the conservation laws in physics, specifically energy and angular momentum
  • Explore the mathematical principles of elliptical orbits and their properties
  • Investigate the effects of gravitational forces on spacecraft trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics.

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1. Homework Statement
a spacecraft of mass 1000kg, in an elliptical orbit about the earth, at one point its distance from Earth is 1.2 x 107 meters and its velocity is 7.1 x 103 meters per sec, and the velocity vector is perpendicular to the line connecting the center of the Earth to the spacecraft . Mass of Earth is 6.0 x 1024 kg and radius of Earth is 6.4 x 106
Find the magnitude of the angular moemntum of the spacecraft about the center of the earth


2. Homework Equations

L = I
L = r x p
= v/r
3. The Attempt at a Solution

ok so I know that energy and angular momentum is conserved. I know how to solve this but I just want to make sure. Do I just do this by finding the angular velocity by = v/r then multiplied by I which equals to mr2 . it sounds really weird so I just want to make sure.
 
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wasn't this posted not long ago?
 

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