Gravitational Lab
Gravitational Lab
I After the simulation loads click Start.
Describe what you see in this simple sun-planet system.
Specifically, what happens to the central object (the Sun)?
The sun seems to revolve around a certain point, just like the planet is revolving around the sun.
Can you explain why the central object moves?
HINT: Is gravitational attraction only the sun pulling on the planet?
There is another gravitational attraction force acting on the sun, making the sun move circular.
Does the planet orbit in a perfect circle? Is the sun at the center?
In the simulation it may seem that the planet is orbiting in a perfect circle but you notice that the sun is not at the center. Which means the planet is orbiting at an eclipse because the sun is not the center.
II Click Stop and then select 3 bodies. Then Start
Sketch a complete cycle (orbit)
Watch the ‘funny’ object closely
What is it doing? Describe and explain.
Could this be the Earth/Moon/Sun system? (Try unchecking Show Traces.)
The blue planet seems to orbit around the other planet. This could be the Earth/Moon/Sun system because in real life the earth revolves around the sun and the moon revolves around the earth.
Is there anything you are uncomfortable with in the simulation? Explain.
Can you explain the difference in the moon’s path when it is on