Explain what is meant by a central force.
Be able to solve problems involving the application of the conservation laws of energy and angular momentum to central force motion problems.
Be able to explain how the two body Kepler problem can be reduced to a one body problem.
Explain what is meant by a reduced mass.
Describe how a one body problem in two dimensions and be interpreted as a one body problem in one dimension.
Describe the meaning and origin of each term in effective potential energy.
Be able to construct energy diagrams using the effective potential and describe different energy solutions.
Be able to find the radius and energy associated with the lowest energy orbit using the effective potential energy.

Course Notes

Notes: The Kepler Problem: Planetary Mechanics (PDF - 12MB)^#

Video Excerpts

Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:

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» Clip 1: Kepler's Laws, Satellites and Orbits (49 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 22 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 2: Black Holes (10 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 23 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

» Clip 3: Conservation Laws for a Satellite’s Orbit (6 min)
» Transcript (PDF)

From Lecture 29 of 8.01 Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999

Download the complete lectures from this course:

» iTunes U
» Internet Archive

Guided Activities

Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.

Slides: Central Force Motion and the Kepler Problem (PDF - 3.1MB)

Self-Assessment

Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.