Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 8-16

Dynamics of a System of Particles — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · central-force-tangential-impulse-ellipse

Problem

A particle executes elliptical (but almost circular) motion about a force center. At some point in the orbit a tangential impulse is applied to the particle, changing the velocity from vv to v+δvv + \delta v. Show that the resulting relative change in the major and minor axes of the orbit is twice the relative change in the velocity and that the axes are increased if δv>0\delta v > 0.

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