Exploration 12.1: Different x_o or v_o for Planetary Orbits

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

This Exploration shows 10 identical planets orbiting a star.  The initial position of the planets can be set at t = 0 time units when the planets are on the x axis.  The difference in orbital trajectory, therefore, is due to the planets' initial velocities (in this animation GM = 1000).  Restart.

1. As you vary the initial positions of the planets, how do the orbital trajectories change? 
2. Find a planet with circular motion.  What is the period for this motion?
3. What happens to the orbit when x gets really small?
4. What happens to the orbit when x gets really large?

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

This part of the Exploration shows 10 identical planets orbiting a star.  The initial velocity of the planets can be set at t = 0 time units when the planets are on the x axis. 

5. As you vary the initial velocities of the planets, how do the orbital trajectories change? 
6. Find a planet with circular motion.  What is the period for this motion?
7. What happens to the orbit when v gets really small?
8. What happens to the orbit when v gets really large?

Exploration authored by Mario Belloni and modified by Emmy Belloni.
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