Orbit invariant under reflection about apsidal vectors

In summary, the book argues that the orbit is invariant under reflection about the apsidal vectors due to the fact that substituting ##\theta## by ##-\theta## leaves the orbit equation (3.34) unchanged. This implies the existence of a plane of symmetry, where ##\theta=0##, which is equivalent to the plane of the apsidal vectors. However, the book does not explicitly show this connection.
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The book argues that since substituting ##\theta## by ##-\theta## leaves the orbit equation (3.34) unchanged, the orbit is therefore invariant under reflection about the apsidal vectors (Fig 3.12).

If substituting ##\theta## by ##-\theta## leaves the orbit equation (3.34) unchanged, then there exists a plane of symmetry (where ##\theta=0##) in the orbit. How does the book reach the conclusion of invariance under reflection about the apsidal vectors?

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By showing that the orbit is invariant under reflection about the apsidal vectors, it implies that the plane of symmetry is actually the plane of the apsidal vectors. This is not shown in the book.
 

FAQ: Orbit invariant under reflection about apsidal vectors

What does it mean for an orbit to be invariant under reflection about apsidal vectors?

When an orbit is said to be invariant under reflection about apsidal vectors, it means that the shape and orientation of the orbit remains unchanged when reflected across the line connecting its apsides (the points of closest and farthest distance from the central body).

What is the significance of this property in orbital mechanics?

This property is significant because it helps simplify the mathematical calculations involved in predicting the motion of objects in orbit. By reflecting the orbit across its apsidal vectors, we can convert the elliptical orbit into a circular one, making it easier to analyze and compute.

Is this property always true for all orbits?

No, this property is not always true for all orbits. It only applies to orbits that are affected only by the gravitational force of a central body, and not by other external forces.

How is this property related to Newton's laws of motion?

This property is related to Newton's laws of motion because it is a consequence of the law of conservation of angular momentum. This law states that an object will maintain a constant angular momentum unless acted upon by an external torque. In an orbit invariant under reflection about apsidal vectors, there is no external torque acting on the orbit, thus conserving its angular momentum.

Can this property be applied to orbits in the real world?

Yes, this property can be applied to real-world orbits, such as those of planets around the sun or moons around a planet. However, it may not be applicable to all objects in space, such as artificial satellites that may experience external forces or perturbations from other bodies.

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