Chapter 3: Gravitation
What you need to learn in this chapter
In this chapter, we will be learning about gravitation. We will start by understanding Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation, which explains how objects attract each other. We will learn how to solve problems involving this law, such as calculating the gravitational force between two static objects on Earth or between Earth and satellites.
Next, we will study Kepler's Laws, which describe the motion of planets and other celestial bodies. We will learn about Kepler's First, Second, and Third Laws, and how they help us understand the movement of objects in space. We will also explore Kepler's Third Law, which relates the period and distance of a planet's orbit.
Lastly, we will focus on man-made satellites. We will learn how satellites maintain their orbits at specific heights by adjusting their velocities. We will also discuss the difference between geostationary and non-geostationary satellites and their uses in communication.
By the end of this chapter, we will have a solid understanding of gravitation, Kepler's Laws, and man-made satellites. We will be able to solve problems related to Newton's Law of Gravitation and comprehend the principles behind satellite orbits.
Topics in this chapter
1. Law of Universal Gravitation
What you will learn in this topic
- Explain Newton Universal Law of Gravitation
- Solve problems involving Newton Universal Law of Gravitation for: two static objects on the Earth, objects on the Earth surface, Earth and satelites, Earth and Sun
- Relate gravitational acceleration, g on the surface of the Earth with the universal gravitational constant, G
- Justify the importance of knowing the values of gravitational acceleration of the planets in the Solar System
- Describe the centripetal force in the motion of satellites and planets system
- Determine the mass of the Earth and the Sun using Newton universal law of gravitation and centripetal force
2. Kepler Law
What you will learn in this topic
- Explain Kepler Law I, II and III
- Express Kepler Third Law
- Solve problems using Kepler Third Law
3. Man Made Satellite
What you will learn in this topic
- Describe how an orbit of a satellite is maintained at a specific height by setting the necessary satellite velocity
- Communicate on geostationary and non-geostationary satellites
- Conceptualize escape velocity
- Solve problems involving the escape velocity,v for a rocket from the Earth surface, the Moon surface, Mars surface and the Sun surface
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