Unravelling Kepler's Law: How F = m/r^2 is Reached

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the gravitational force equation from Kepler's laws, specifically examining the transition from the equation F = (4)(pi)^2(m)(r)/T^2 to F = m/r^2. Participants are exploring the relationship between orbital period and radius as described by Kepler's laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the derivation of the gravitational force equation and questioning the steps involved in substituting Kepler's law into the force equation. There is confusion regarding the disappearance of certain constants and terms during the derivation process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their interpretations of Kepler's laws and the mathematical relationships involved. Some have provided insights into the proportionality aspects of the equations, while others are seeking clarification on specific terms and constants that seem to vanish in the derivation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the framework of Kepler's laws and centripetal force, noting that the constant of proportionality in Kepler's third law is not explicitly defined, which complicates the derivation process. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships rather than arriving at a definitive conclusion.

Miike012
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what is it exactly?

and in my book they had an equation

F = (4)(pi)^2(m)(r)/T^2

then they said by using keplers law... they arrived to a new equation that relates the gravitational force exerted by the sun which is...
F = m/r^2

If Keplers law says T = r^3/2 how in the heck did they go from F = (4)(pi)^2(m)(r)/T^2
to F = m/r^2 by substituting T for r?
Where did (4)(pi)^2(r) go ?
 
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It would appear that they started with the centripetal force:
F = m\frac{v^2}{r}~~~~~\text{where:}~~~~v = \frac{2 \pi r}{T}
F = \frac{4 \pi^2 m r}{T^2}
Now, Kepler's Third Law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit. For a circular orbit we identify the semi-major axis with the orbital radius. Note that the law as stated does not give us the constant of proportionality, so we write: r^3 \propto T^2. So we can replace the T2 in the force equation with r3 but without a precise constant of proportionality it doesn't make sense to retain the others, so that:
F \propto \frac{4 \pi^2 m r}{r^3} \propto \frac{m}{r^2}
 
For different planets, Kepler's third Law says (R^3)/(T^2) = constant
and equals unity when using units of years and astronomical units (A.U.).
 
Last edited:
Ok so I see that I r will divide out and it will equal 4(pi)^2m/r^2... where did the 4 pi^2 go?
 

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