Skip to main content

MVP — interactive sketch; a fuller lab is coming later.

Gravitation & celestial motion

F = GMm/r²; vis-viva v² = GM(2/r − 1/a); Kepler's third law T² = 4π²a³/(GM).

Curved motion & gravitation (senior)Composition, projectile, centripetal force, orbits.

Start here

Gravitation & celestial motion

Gravitation: a planet orbiting a star with Kepler's laws. This “Gravitation & celestial motion” page is an MVP interactive sketch — formulas, controls, and live readouts in the browser; a fuller bench may follow.

Gravitation: a planet orbiting a star with Kepler's laws.

Key formulas

  • F=\frac{GMm}{r^2}
  • v=\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}
  • T^2=\frac{4\pi^2}{GM}r^3

How to use

  1. Adjust parameters in the left panel.
  2. Use play / pause and speed controls.
  3. Match right-side readouts to the formulas.
  4. Reset to return to the initial state.

Applications

  • Gravitation & celestial motion: Gravitation: a planet orbiting a star with Kepler's laws.
  • Classroom focus: Kepler's third law T² = 4π²a³/(GM).

FAQ

What does MVP mean on this page?

An interactive sketch with formulas and parameters. Polished Ready labs are the full bench experience.

What does the “Gravitation & celestial motion” lab practice?

Tune parameters and match readouts to the “Gravitation & celestial motion” relations — useful for prep and demos.

Is force always along velocity?

No. Net force aligns with acceleration; velocity can point elsewhere.

How do graphs show uniform vs accelerated motion?

Uniform: constant x–t slope. Constant a: straight v–t with slope a.

Try the lab