Which parameters are incorporated in the vis-viva equation to calculate velocity along an ellipse?

Answer

The semi-major axis and the distance from the focus.

The dynamic speed of an object at any specific point along an elliptical path is mathematically determined using the vis-viva equation. This equation provides the specific velocity required based on the geometry of the orbit and the current position of the object relative to the central gravitational source. The equation incorporates two primary geometric inputs: the semi-major axis of the ellipse, which defines the overall size of the orbit, and the instantaneous distance between the orbiting object and the focus (the central body). These parameters define the total specific energy of the system, which dictates the velocity.

Which parameters are incorporated in the vis-viva equation to calculate velocity along an ellipse?

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Elliptical Orbits - Brain Waves - YouTube

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