|
Question 552985: I'm having a difficulty in solving this problem,your help is highly appreciated:
The elliptical orbit of Mars has its foci at (0.141732, 0) and
(-0.141732, 0), where 1 unit equals 1 AU. The length of the major axis is
3.048 AU. Determine the equation that models Mars’ elliptical orbit
Answer by lwsshak3(11628)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! I'm having a difficulty in solving this problem,your help is highly appreciated:
The elliptical orbit of Mars has its foci at (0.141732, 0) and
(-0.141732, 0), where 1 unit equals 1 AU. The length of the major axis is
3.048 AU. Determine the equation that models Mars’ elliptical orbit
**
Standard form of equation for ellipse with major axis in x-direction: (x-h)^2/a^2=(y-k)^2/b^2=1, a>b, (h,k)=(x,y) coordinates of center.
..
Units in AU (Astronomical Unit)
Given length of major axis=3.048 =2a
a=3.048/2=1.524
a^2≈2.323
c=0.141732
c^2=.020
c^2=a^2-b^2
b^2=a^2-c^2=2.323-.020=2.303
Equation of ellipse: ( in (x,y) plane)
x^2/2.323+y^2/2.303=1
|
|
|
| |
