Calculating Moon's Total Kinetic Energy

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to calculate the Moon's total kinetic energy from the heliocentric frame, whether it is algebraic or vectorial, and the Moon's velocity around the Sun. The Moon's speed with respect to the Sun is the same as Earth's orbital speed and energy is a scalar, so no vector addition is necessary. To calculate the Moon's kinetic energy, the velocity of the Earth around the Sun is added vectorially to the velocity of the Moon around the Earth and then put in the equation 1/2 Mv^2. The Moon's total kinetic energy will vary over the course of a month.
  • #1
termina
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Hello there!


Do you have any idea on how one could calculate Moon total Kinetic Energy from heliocentric frame (ie, KE around the Earth with KE around the Sun)?

is this sum of KE algebrical or vectorial?
And how much is Moon's velocity around the Sun?





Thank you
 
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  • #2
The Moon's speed with respect to the Sun will be the same as Earth's orbital speed. Energy is a scalar so it would add simply, no vector addition necessary.
 
  • #3
Take the velocity of the Earth around the sun and add this vectorially to the velocity of the Moon around the Earth. Put the resulting v in 1/2 Mv^2 to get the kinetic energy. The Moon's total kinetic energy will vary over the course of a month, being least at new moon and greatest at full moon.
 

FAQ: Calculating Moon's Total Kinetic Energy

How is the Moon's total kinetic energy calculated?

The Moon's total kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the Moon and v is its velocity.

What is the mass of the Moon used in the calculation of its kinetic energy?

The mass of the Moon used in the calculation of its kinetic energy is approximately 7.34 x 10^22 kilograms.

How is the velocity of the Moon determined for calculating its kinetic energy?

The velocity of the Moon is determined using its orbital speed, which is approximately 1.022 km/s, and its rotational speed, which is approximately 0.00067 km/s.

Is the Moon's kinetic energy constant?

No, the Moon's kinetic energy is not constant. It varies depending on its position in its orbit and can be affected by external forces such as gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies.

How does the Moon's kinetic energy contribute to its overall motion?

The Moon's kinetic energy is one of the main factors contributing to its overall motion. It helps to maintain the Moon's orbit around the Earth and also influences its rotational motion.

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