Newtonian mechanics
Gravitation and motion about the center of mass
Observe two-body orbits about their shared center of mass and how motion depends on mass ratio, separation, and speed. Track the bodies’ masses, separation, and mutual force, then check .
⚠ The orbits are a numerical simulation; do not drop objects from heights or create real impacts to test them.
Equipment
- Two mutually gravitating bodies in three-dimensional space
- m₁, m₂, r₀, relative-speed, and orbit-tilt sliders
Procedure
Vary the two-body orbit
Press Reset orbit to begin. Change m₁ and m₂ and observe both bodies orbiting their center of mass; the heavier body follows the smaller orbit. Adjust initial separation r₀ and reset to apply it, then vary the speed relative to circular to compare nearly circular, eccentric, or unbound paths. Drag to rotate the view and inspect the orbital-plane tilt. Compare the observed quantities with .
Check the center-of-mass position
Pause and reset the orbit after changing m₁ and m₂. Compare each body's distance from the center of mass; check and observe that the heavier body follows the smaller orbit.
Vary the initial speed
Keep masses and initial separation fixed, then raise and lower relative speed around the circular-orbit setting. Classify the result as nearly circular, eccentric, or unbound and explain the role of initial conditions. Compare the observed quantities with .