Keplers Law: Practice Problem & Solution
The largest and the shortest distance of the earth from the sun are $r_1$ and $r_2$. Its distance from the sun when it is at perpendicular to the major axis of the orbit drawn from the sun is: (1988)
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Keplers Law. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
The distance from the sun when the planet is perpendicular to the major axis drawn from the sun is the semi-latus rectum of the elliptical orbit. It is calculated as the harmonic mean of the apoapsis and periapsis distances, giving $\frac{2r_1r_2}{r_1+r_2}$.
Leave a Reply