Questions and Answers
What is an ellipse?
What does eccentricity describe in relation to an ellipse?
The degree of flatness or ovalness of an ellipse.
What is the eccentricity of a perfect circle?
0
What is the eccentricity of a flat line?
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What are the foci of an ellipse?
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What is the major axis of an ellipse?
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What is perihelion?
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What is aphelion?
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Where does orbital velocity increase?
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Where does gravitational attraction increase?
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Where does orbital velocity decrease?
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Where does gravitational velocity decrease?
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Study Notes
Geometric Concepts in Orbital Mechanics
- Ellipse: An oval shape that represents the orbit of planets around the sun.
- Eccentricity: Measurement of how much an ellipse deviates from being circular; indicates the shape's flatness or ovalness.
- Perfect Circle Eccentricity: An eccentricity value of 0, indicating no deviation from a circular shape.
- Flat Line Eccentricity: An eccentricity value of 1, representing the most extreme oval shape.
Key Features of Ellipses
- Foci: Two fixed points within an ellipse; the sun is located at one of these points.
- Major Axis: The longest diameter of an ellipse, extending across the widest part.
Distance from the Sun
- Perihelion: The point in a planet's orbit when it is closest to the sun, resulting in increased orbital velocity and gravitational attraction.
- Aphelion: The point when a planet is farthest from the sun, leading to decreased orbital velocity and gravitational attraction.
Orbital Dynamics
- Orbital Velocity at Perihelion: Increases due to proximity to the sun.
- Gravitational Attraction at Perihelion: Also increases, enhancing the pull from the sun.
- Orbital Velocity at Aphelion: Decreases as the distance from the sun increases.
- Gravitational Attraction at Aphelion: Decreases, resulting in less pull from the sun.
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Description
Test your understanding of ellipses in orbits with this set of flashcards. Learn key terms such as eccentricity and the foci of an ellipse. Enhance your knowledge of planet shapes and their orbital characteristics.
