Introduction to Classical Mechanics · Problem 7.12
Angular momentum, Part I (Constant L) — Morin
Physics — Mechanics · gravity-kepler-laws
Problem
Falling into the sun *
Imagine that the earth is suddenly (and tragically) stopped in its orbit, and then allowed to fall radially into the sun. How long will this take? Use data from Appendix J, and assume that the initial orbit is essentially circular. Hint: Consider the radial path to be part of a very thin ellipse.