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Physics of Astronomy Winter Week 6 - Thus.16.Feb.2006 Astro-A: Universe 4 – Gravity and Orbits Pre-lab – brief discussion Astro-B: Finish C&O Ch.2 2:30 Seminar 4:00 Lab in CAL 1234 Let’s look at the sky together after lab! Looking ahead (remember to take Universe Ch.4 online quiz)
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Astro-A: Universe 4 – Gravity & Orbits Ptolemy: Circular orbits about Earth Copernicus: Circular orbits about Sun Kepler: Elliptical orbits about Sun
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We derived Kepler’s 3d law from Newton’s 2d law: F=ma Gravitational forceacceleration in circular orbit F=GmM/r 2 a = v 2 /r Solve for v 2 : Speed v = distance/time = 2 r/T. Plug this into v 2 and solve for T 2 : This is Kepler’s third law: T = period and r = orbit radius.
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For objects orbiting the Sun, Kepler’s law simplifies to a 3 = p 2, where a=radius in AU and p=period in years A satellite is placed in a circular orbit around the Sun, orbiting the Sun once every 10 months. How far is the satellite from the Sun?
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Sidereal (real: P) and Synodic (apparent: S) periods: A satellite is placed in a circular orbit around the Sun, orbiting the Sun once every 10 months. How often does the satellite pass between the Earth and the Sun?
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We can use Newton’s gravity to approximate the size of a black hole! Knowing the gravitational force between two bodies m and M, we can find their gravitational energy: In order for an object (say, m) to escape M’s gravity, It needs sufficient kinetic energy K=1/2 mv 2 …
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Use energy conservation to find the size of R of a black hole: Not even light can escape (v=c) if it is closer than r to a black hole. This is the Schwarzschild radius: R (for v=c) =_____________________
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Lab Hand in before lab: Excel practice results Pre-lab Lab this afternoon Read lab guidelines Take notes in a bound notebook Write up report this weekend
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Astro-B: C&O Ch.2: Gravity & orbits Kepler’s laws (for M>>m) Generalization (for M~m) K1: orbits are elliptical- about center of mass K2: equal areas in equal times- conservation of L K3: Center of mass Virial Theorem
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Center of Mass reference frame Total mass = M = m 1 + m 2 Reduced mass = Total angular momentum L= r v = r p v p (Pick any point, e.g. perihelion: r p and v p ) p.50
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Virial Theorem = /2 where = average value of f over one period For gravitationally bound systems in equilibrium, the total energy is always one-half of the potential energy. Ex: Use K3 in E orbit = T + U for circular orbit: New HW: 2.8, 2.9
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Looking ahead Monday TuesdayWedThusFri
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