Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 7.20

Non-linear oscillations and phase space — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · assorted-inverse-square-problems

Problem

A body moving in an inverse square attractive field traverses an elliptical orbit with major axis 2a2a. Show that the time average of the potential energy V=−γ/rV = -\gamma/r is −γ/a-\gamma/a. [Transform the time integral to an integral with respect to the eccentric angle ψ\psi.] Deduce the time average of the kinetic energy in the same orbit.

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