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Energy of Elliptical Orbits definitions

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  • Elliptical Orbits
    Paths where kinetic and potential energies vary, with energy conservation still applying.
  • Kinetic Energy
    Energy that is maximum at periapsis and minimum at apoapsis in elliptical orbits.
  • Potential Energy
    Energy that is minimum at periapsis and maximum at apoapsis in elliptical orbits.
  • Periapsis
    The closest point in an elliptical orbit where velocity and kinetic energy are maximum.
  • Apoapsis
    The farthest point in an elliptical orbit where velocity and kinetic energy are minimum.
  • Angular Momentum
    A conserved quantity in elliptical orbits, allowing velocity comparison at different points.
  • Semi-Major Axis
    The longest diameter of an ellipse, crucial for energy calculations in elliptical orbits.
  • Energy Conservation
    Principle stating total energy remains constant, though kinetic and potential energies vary.
  • Velocity
    Speed of an object in orbit, maximum at periapsis and minimum at apoapsis.
  • Work
    Energy required to transition between circular and elliptical orbits.
  • Orbit Transition
    The process of changing from one orbital path to another, involving work and energy changes.
  • Circular Orbit
    An orbit where kinetic and potential energies are constant, unlike elliptical orbits.
  • Gravitational Constant
    A constant used in calculating gravitational forces and energy in orbital mechanics.
  • Mass
    A factor in calculating gravitational forces and energy in orbital mechanics.
  • Distance
    Variable affecting potential energy and velocity in elliptical orbits.