Question

Two planets of equal masses orbit a much more massive

Answer 1

Two planets of equal mass orbit a much more massive star (figure). Planet m1 moves in a circular orbit of radius 1 x 108 km with period 2 yr. Planet m2 moves in an elliptical orbit with closest distance r1 = 1 x 108 km and farthest distance r2 = 1.8 x 108 km, as shown. (a) Using the fact that the mean radius of an elliptical orbit is the length of the semi-major axis , find the period of m2 orbit. (b) Which planet has the greater speed at point P ? which has the greater total energy ? (c) Compare the speed of planet m2 at P with that at A.Read more on Sarthaks.com - https://www.sarthaks.com/222265/two-planets-of-equal-mass-orbit-a-much-more-massive-star-figure-planet-m1-moves-in-circular