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Physics

Section Summary

PhysicsSection Summary

7.1 Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

  • All satellites follow elliptical orbits.
  • The line from the satellite to the parent body sweeps out equal areas in equal time.
  • The radius cubed divided by the period squared is a constant for all satellites orbiting the same parent body.

7.2 Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and Einstein's Theory of General Relativity

  • Newton’s law of universal gravitation provides a mathematical basis for gravitational force and Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
  • Einstein’s theory of general relativity shows that gravitational fields change the path of light and warp space and time.
  • An object’s mass is constant, but its weight changes when acceleration due to gravity, g, changes.
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