SUMMARY

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Force

A force is a push, pull or twist that can be exerted on a body or object. A force is a vector quantity, requiring magnitude, direction and a point of application for its description.

F = ma

Centripetal Acceleration a = v ² / r a = 4 p ² r / t ²

a = G M / d ²

Centripetal Force F = m * v ² / r F = m 4p ² r / t ²

F = G Mm / d ²

Gravitational Constant G = 6.67 * 10 -11

Minimum Orbit Velocity vmin = Ö (gr)

Kepler's Laws

1. Planets and orbiting bodies move in elliptical paths with the sun being at one focus

2. The area swept out in a given time by the radius vector is always constant (diagram???)

3. For orbiting satellites (or planets) of any system, the ration (radius of orbit) ³ / (period) ² is constant for all satellites of that system.   

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