Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Practice Final
Practice Final
Practice Final
Name:
r
θ
m
M
1
2
2. [xx Points] A particle of mass µ is in a central potential described by
A
U(r) = −F0 r − , (1)
r
where F0 and A are positive constants.
a) [xx Points] Determine the condition for circular orbits to exist in this
potential.
b) [xx Points] Assuming the condition derived above is satisfied sketch
Ueff (r) as a function of the radius r. Indicate on your figure where for a
fixed energy you would find i) a bound orbit with constant radius, ii) a
bound orbit with changing radius, and iii) an unbound orbit.
c) [xx Points] A particle is in a circular orbit at r0 . It is given a tiny radial
perturbation. Determine the ratio of its radial oscillation frequency to its
orbital frequency. When is the resulting orbit closed?
3
4
3. [xx Points] Imagine a “planet” shaped like an infinitely long cylinder as shown
in figure 2. It rotates with a constant angular velocity Ω. The combination of
gravity and centrifugal force leads to a constant radial force near the surface of
the planet described by F = −mg ρ̂. A projectile of mass m is fired at speed v0
at an angle θ above the surface, as shown in the figure. Use coordinates such
that x is “south” and y is “east”. The origin should be at the location where
the projectile is fired.
v0
5
happens to the projectile and why.
b) [xx Points] In the limit Ω 1 determine the deflection of the projectile
to first order in Ω by the time the projectile lands.
6
7
4. [xx Points] Draw a phase diagram (ẋ versus x) for an underdamped oscillator.
Assume that x(0) = −A and that ẋ(0) = 0. Please explain the important
features in your diagram.
8
5. [xx Points] Show that the geodesic on the surface of a right circular cylinder
(i.e. a cylinder that has circular bases aligned one directly above the other) is
a segment of a helix.
9
10