Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 8-35

Dynamics of a System of Particles — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · central-force-apsidal-angle-power-law

Problem

An almost circular orbit (i.e., ε≪1\varepsilon \ll 1) can be considered to be a circular orbit to which a small perturbation has been applied. Then, the frequency of the radial motion is given by Equation 8.89. Consider a case in which the force law is F(r)=−k/rnF(r) = -k/r^n (where nn is an integer), and show that the apsidal angle is π/3−n\pi/\sqrt{3-n}. Thus, show that a closed orbit generally results only for the harmonic oscillator force and the inverse-square-law force (if values of nn equal to or smaller than −6-6 are excluded).

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