the orbit of Venus is more sharply curved than the orbit of mars. How could this be explained according to Newton's second law of motion?
2006-12-02 14:45:05 · 4 answers · asked by KUMAR 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
it must have a greater force acting on it.
2006-12-02 14:48:11 · answer #1 · answered by rboatright 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Second law
The rate of change of momentum of a body is proportional to the resultant force acting on the body and is in the same direction.
from Wikepedia.
Venus is much closer to the sun than is Mars. Therefore the force of gravity is much stronger on Venus than Mars. In addition the mass of the planets effects the momentum. Venus is heavier than Mars and is going to be more difficult to keep in its nearly circular orbit around the sun, as it likes to keep moving in a straight line as opposed to a circular orbit.
2006-12-02 15:01:24 · answer #2 · answered by wilbedoc2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greater force acting on it because according to equation for gravitational force, since Venus is closer to the Sun, more force acts on it.
2006-12-02 14:52:51 · answer #3 · answered by doctorevil64 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does, it's closer to the sun so the pull of gravity is greater.
2006-12-02 14:52:57 · answer #4 · answered by socialdeevolution 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋