Non-Circular Orbits (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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Non-Circular Orbits

  • Some orbits, such as those of comets, are non-circular
    • These are often more elliptical

  • However, their orbits are still stable
  • For a stable orbit, the radius must change if the comets orbital speed changes
  • For example, for a comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun:
    • As the comet approaches the Sun, the radius of the orbit decreases and the orbital speed increases due to the Sun's strong gravitational pull
    • As the comet travels further away from the Sun, the radius of the orbit increases and the orbital speed decreases due to a weaker gravitational pull from the Sun

comet-orbit, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Comets travel in highly elliptical orbits, speeding up as they approach the Sun

  • As a comet approaches the Sun:
    • It loses gravitational potential energy and gains kinetic energy
    • The icy body of the comet also starts to melt, and forms a tail that always points away from the Sun

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

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Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.