Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 8-4

Dynamics of a System of Particles — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · central-force-virial-theorem

Problem

Perform an explicit calculation of the time average (i.e., the average over one complete period) of the potential energy for a particle moving in an elliptical orbit in a central inverse-square-law force field. Express the result in terms of the force constant of the field and the semimajor axis of the ellipse. Perform a similar calculation for the kinetic energy. Compare the results and thereby verify the virial theorem for this case.

Related theory

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