Gravitational Orbit: How Size Determines Distance & Speed

In summary, the gravitational orbit of an object orbiting a planet, such as Saturn, is determined by the third Kepler law and Newton's law of gravity. The size of the object does not affect the distance between it and the planet, but the mass does play a role in the relationship between distance and orbital speed. This can be seen in the third Kepler law and the modern version of it, where the sun is replaced by Saturn and the planet is replaced by the moon.
  • #1
Sveral
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Hello,
was just wondering, what determines the gravitational orbit of an object orbitting a planet, for example, Saturn.
Would increasing the size of the object decrease the distance between the object and the planet? Also, what determines the speed at which anything moves throughout it`s orbit-the size of the object or the size of the thing it`s orbitting?
Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
See the third Kepler law, and in particular the modern version with Newton's law of gravity (replace sun by Saturn and planet by moon).

The size is completely irrelevant, the mass leads to a relation between distance and orbital speed.
 
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  • #3
mfb said:
See the third Kepler law, and in particular the modern version with Newton's law of gravity (replace sun by Saturn and planet by moon).

The size is completely irrelevant, the mass leads to a relation between distance and orbital speed.
Much appreciated, thank you!
 

1. What is gravitational orbit?

Gravitational orbit is the path that an object takes around a more massive object, such as a planet or star, due to the force of gravity.

2. How does size determine distance and speed in a gravitational orbit?

The larger the object being orbited, the greater the distance the orbiting object will have to travel to maintain a stable orbit. This also affects the speed of the orbit, with larger objects requiring faster speeds to maintain a stable orbit.

3. What factors influence the size of a gravitational orbit?

The size of a gravitational orbit is influenced by the mass of the object being orbited, the mass of the orbiting object, and the distance between the two objects.

4. Can gravitational orbit be applied to objects in space?

Yes, gravitational orbit is applicable to objects in space, including planets, moons, and even galaxies.

5. How is gravitational orbit important in understanding our solar system?

Gravitational orbit plays a crucial role in the formation and stability of our solar system. The orbits of planets and other celestial bodies around the sun are determined by the force of gravity, and without this force, our solar system would not exist as we know it.

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