Gravitational Field and Satellite Motion

This page introduces the fundamental concepts of movement in a gravitational field within the context of satellite motion. It establishes the framework for understanding celestial mechanics at the high school level.

The page begins by defining the reference frame as geocentric or heliocentric, assumed to be Galilean. It then applies Newton's Second Law to a satellite's motion, considering only the gravitational force.

Definition: The gravitational force is given by F = G × m × M / r², where G is the gravitational constant, m is the mass of the satellite, M is the mass of the attracting body, and r is the distance between their centers.

The acceleration of the satellite is broken down into tangential and normal components using the Frenet frame.

Highlight: The acceleration vector is shown to be radial and centripetal, a crucial concept in understanding orbital motion.

The page concludes by deriving the expression for centripetal acceleration in terms of velocity and radius, setting the stage for further analysis of orbital dynamics.

Vocabulary: Centripetal acceleration refers to the component of acceleration directed towards the center of curvature of the orbit.

Application of Kepler's Third Law and Orbital Terminology

This final page focuses on the practical application of Kepler's Third Law and introduces important terminology used in describing orbits.

The page begins by applying Kepler's Third Law to circular orbits, deriving the constant of proportionality in terms of the gravitational constant and the mass of the central body.

Example: For orbits around the Sun, the constant in Kepler's Third Law is 4π² / (G × M_sun), where G is the gravitational constant and M_sun is the mass of the Sun.

The page provides the numerical value of the gravitational constant G as 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg².

Vocabulary: Key orbital terms are introduced:

• Periapsis: The point in an orbit closest to the central body
• Apoapsis: The point in an orbit farthest from the central body
• For Earth orbits: Perigee (closest) and Apogee (farthest)
• For Solar orbits: Perihelion (closest) and Aphelion (farthest)

This terminology is essential for precisely describing orbital characteristics and understanding the dynamics of celestial bodies in various types of orbits.

Highlight: Understanding these terms is crucial for analyzing orbital mechanics and is often tested in BAC exams for Terminale students.

The page concludes the overview of movement in a gravitational field, providing students with a solid foundation in celestial mechanics and orbital dynamics.