Relative Speeds of Interacting Astronomical Bodies

Abstract

Simultaneous conservation of linear momentum and of mechanical energy can be used to calculate the relative speed of an isolated pair of astronomical bodies as a function of the distance separating them. An exact treatment is straightforward and has application to such contemporary topics as the launch velocities of rockets, and collisions between an asteroid and the Earth. In contrast when these topics are discussed in introductory physics courses, an infinite-Earth-mass approximation is typically invoked. In addition to being unphysical, this denies students an opportunity for a richer exploration of the conservation laws of mechanics.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA573631

Entities

People

  • Carl E. Mungan

Organizations

  • United States Naval Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asteroids
  • Astronomical Bodies
  • Collisions
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Energy
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Linear Momentum
  • Meteoroids
  • Momentum
  • Potential Energy
  • Solar System
  • Spacecraft
  • United States Naval Academy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Quantum spin resonance or Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.