In advanced texts on potential theory, it is shown that the potential energy of a particle of mass m in the gravitational field of an oblate spheroid

emancipezN

emancipezN

Answered question

2021-09-28

In advanced texts on potential theory, it is shown that the potential energy of a particle of mass m in the gravitational field of an oblate spheroid, like Earth, is approximately V(r)=(kr)(1+(ϵr2) where r refers to distances in the equatorial plane, k=GMm as before, and ϵ=x2. 5RΔR, in which R is the equatorial radius and R is the difference between the equatorial and polar radii. From this, find the apsidal angle for a satellite moving in a nearly circular orbit in the equatorial plane of the Earth, where R=4000 miles and R=13 miles.

Answer & Explanation

Talisha

Talisha

Skilled2021-09-29Added 93 answers

w=180.703

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