Hints for HW 7
General Advice: There is a lot of algebra in this problem set---more
than any other one. It will require some self-discipline to get through
the longer problems.
The mathematical skills you need for this problem set include algebra
and the law of cosines.
On the physics side, you need Newton's universal law of gravitation and you need
to understand the work-energy theorem.
Hints on specific problems:
- Problem 8-6: Review Newtons' law of gravitation and remember to
divide delta f by f.
- Problem 8-15: Lot's of algebra---look at 8-14 if you are having
trouble.
- Problem 8-17 Keep your frames straight.
- Problem 8-18 Look again at L5 as suggested in the problem.
- Problem 8-29 Be sure to write all conservation laws carefully,
and use all the information you know. There is a lot of algebra to get to
the answer in part a. Look at 8-30 if you want to see applications of
these results.
Last modified August 11, 2004
Jim Freericks, Professor of Physics,
freericks at physics dot georgetown dot edu