Finding the (Newtonian) movement equation of an object in a gravitational field

In summary, the conversation revolves around finding a movement equation for an object in a gravitational field using traditional formulas of force and acceleration of gravity. The proposed solution involves rewriting the equation and using a known relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration. The speaker is unsure of how to proceed after this step and is seeking further guidance.
  • #1
Username007
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This is a problem I've been looking to solve for some time.

Homework Statement


You must find a movement equation for an object in a gravitational field knowing traditional formulas of force and acceleration of gravity (see below).

Homework Equations



absolute value of the acceleration at a distance 'r' from the centre of gravity of an object with mass 'm'

[itex]g=G\frac{m}{r^{2}}[/itex]

'r' as a movement equation

[itex]r=r(t)[/itex]
[itex]r''(t)=-g[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]r''(t)=-G\frac{m}{r(t)^{2}}[/itex]
[itex]r''(t)r(t)^{2}=-Gm[/itex]

I don't really know what to do next. It seems that r(t) has at least one constant term and it's of degree>2 if it's a polynomial (as acceleration changes). I know nothing more than that.
 
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  • #2
It might help to rewrite as
[tex] \frac{d^2r}{dt^2}r^2 = -Gm [/tex]
After this you should use a relationship you know linking position, velocity and acceleration mathematically.
 

Related to Finding the (Newtonian) movement equation of an object in a gravitational field

1. What is the Newtonian movement equation?

The Newtonian movement equation, also known as the second law of motion, is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between an object's mass, acceleration, and the force acting upon it. It can be written as F=ma, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration.

2. How does gravity affect an object's movement?

In a gravitational field, all objects experience a force of attraction towards the center of the field. This force, known as gravity, causes objects to accelerate towards the ground at a rate of 9.8 meters per second squared. The acceleration of an object due to gravity can be represented by the value g, which is approximately 9.8 m/s^2 on Earth.

3. How do you incorporate gravity into the Newtonian movement equation?

To incorporate gravity into the Newtonian movement equation, we use the formula F=mg, where m represents the mass of the object and g represents the acceleration due to gravity. This means that the force acting on an object in a gravitational field is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity.

4. Can the Newtonian movement equation be used to calculate the movement of objects in space?

Yes, the Newtonian movement equation can be used to calculate the movement of objects in space. In this case, the value of g will vary depending on the gravitational field of the celestial body the object is in. For example, the value of g on the moon is approximately 1.6 m/s^2, while the value on Mars is approximately 3.7 m/s^2.

5. Are there any limitations to the Newtonian movement equation?

While the Newtonian movement equation is a useful tool for calculating the movement of objects in a gravitational field, it does have some limitations. It assumes that the object is moving in a straight line at a constant acceleration, which may not always be the case in real-life situations. Additionally, it does not take into account the effects of air resistance or other external forces acting on the object.

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