Kepler Problem - Mathematical Definition

Mathematical Definition

The central force F that varies in strength as the inverse square of the distance r between them:


\mathbf{F} = \frac{k}{r^{2}} \mathbf{\hat{r}}

where k is a constant and represents the unit vector along the line between them. The force may be either attractive (k<0) or repulsive (k>0). The corresponding scalar potential (the potential energy of the non-central body) is:


V(r) = \frac{k}{r}

Read more about this topic:  Kepler Problem

Famous quotes containing the words mathematical and/or definition:

    The most distinct and beautiful statement of any truth must take at last the mathematical form.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    Was man made stupid to see his own stupidity?
    Is God by definition indifferent, beyond us all?
    Is the eternal truth man’s fighting soul
    Wherein the Beast ravens in its own avidity?
    Richard Eberhart (b. 1904)