Last Lecture Angular Momentum for Orbits Connection of L and E to Orbit

Energy and Momentum of rotation

Today Conserved because gravity points radially so it does In general, orbits are ellipses: r1 + r2 = 2a
not exert any torque.
More about Momentum of rotation ! The semi-major axis (denoted "a" in drawing) is
! !
Point particle: L = r ! p L = r p sin " determined by the total mechanical energy.
Important Concepts
Kinetic energy of rotation adds a new term to the same
Conservation of angular momentum is a separate The semi-minor axis (denoted "b" in drawing) is
energy equation, it does not add a new equation. equation from conservation of energy. determined by energy and angular momentum.
Momentum of rotation gives an additional equation The resulting equations are:
There is the additional complication that the moment of r1mv1 sin !1 = r2 mv2 sin !2
inertia can change.
"GMm 1 2 "GMm 1 2
For particles in orbit, angular momentum gives + 2 mv1 = + 2 mv2
information about the direction as well as the speed r1 r2
8.01L IAP 2006 1/24/2006 8.01L IAP 2006 1/24/2006 8.01L IAP 2006 1/24/2006

L and E and a and b Torque Checklist

Basic equations: r1mv1 sin !1 = L = r2 mv2 sin !2 Make a careful drawing showing where forces act
"GMm 1 2 "GMm 1 2 Clearly indicate what axis you are using
+ 2 mv1 = E = + 2 mv2
r1 r2 Clearly indicate whether CW or CCW is positive

!GMm For each force:

Substitute and do algebra to find: E = If force acts at axis or points to or away from axis, =0
2a
Draw (imaginary) line from axis to point force acts. If
L distance and angle are clear from the geometry =Frsin()
And also: b = (dont forget that E<0)
!2mE Draw (imaginary) line parallel to the force. If distance
from axis measured perpendicular to this line (lever arm)
is clear, then the torque is the force times this distance
Dont forget CW versus CCW, is the torque + or
8.01L IAP 2006 1/24/2006 8.01L IAP 2006 1/24/2006