Orbital Mechanics Flashcards
What is the gravitational constant in N*m^2/kg^2?
6.67E-11
Pg. 62
What does Newtons law of gravitation have a negative sign?
Because gravity is always attractive.
Pg. 62
What is 1AU in km?
1.496E8
Inside cover
For gravity (or any other “central” force) the time rate of change of angular moment is _______.
Zero.
Pg. 65
If the time rate of change of the angular momentum is zero, what does this imply about the linear momentum magnitude?
Its constant.
Pg. 65
If the angular momentum of a planet is constant, its orbit is confined to a ________.
Single plane.
Pg. 65
What is the angular momentum formula in basic vector form?
radius cross linear momentum
L = r X p
Pg. 64
A vector crossed with itself is ______.
Zero
Pg. 65
Two parallel vectors crossed will be ______.
Zero.
Pg. 65
What is the required value of eccentricity for a circular orbit?
e = 0.
Pg. 68
What is the required value of the eccentricity for an elliptic orbit?
0
What is the required value of the eccentricity for a parabolic orbit?
e = 1
Pg. 68
What is the required value of the eccentricity for a hyperbolic orbit?
e>1
Pg. 68 & 69
What are the total energies for a hyperbolic, parabolic, and elliptic orbit respectively?
E >0
E = 0
E<0
Pg. 74 & 75
