The mathematics associated with the motion of satellites is described. Equations (for period, velocity, acceleration and force) are stated, symbols described, and sample problems solved. Includes five practice problems with solutions and...

This study guide on gravitation covers some key vocabulary, Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion, and orbiting bodies or satellites. Includes important equations. It is available for download with free registration.

Students imagine that they are hovering next to the space shuttle in earth-orbit, and bump into another astronaut of equal mass. If the two astronauts holds onto each other, then how fast do they move after the collision?

Describes the logic behind the development of Newton's law of universal gravitation. Beginning with Johannes Kepler and his three laws of planetary motion, content walks the reader through Newton's thought process and development of this...

A page describing the physics, mathematics, and historical figures associated with planetary motion, satellite motion, and universal gravitation.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about orbits and how an object can stay in orbit under the influence of gravity. By adjusting launch velocities users will understand how to successfully put a virtual satellite into orbit without...

College-level online course highlighting the study of classical mechanics. This course focuses on Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, and kinetic gas theory. Course features include a 35 video lecture series by Walter Lewin. Also link...

This site from NASA states Kepler's second law of planetary motion and depicts its meaning with an informative diagram. Relates the law to conservation of energy principles and discusses the eccentricity of a satellite's (or a planet's)...

Learners will use a simulation to build their own solar system discovering the relationship between gravity and motion that keeps a planet in orbit.

The three laws of planetary motion as described by Kepler are stated and elaborated upon. Useful graphics and an easy-to-understand language are used to explain the nature of planetary motion. Both conceptual and mathematical. Includes a...

The orbits of satellites are described and an energy analysis is performed. Kinetic, potential and total mechanical energy are explained and applied to the motion of satellites.

An introduction to our solar system: the planets, our Sun and our Moon. Students begin by learning the history and engineering of space travel. They make simple rockets to acquire a basic understanding Newton's third law of motion. They...

In this interactive module students will explore what different ancient cultures believe was an explanation of the stars and planets. They will look at how the work of Nicolas Copernicus revolutionize the world of astronomy and learn how...

This site from NASA states Kepler's third law of motion and extends it to develop an equation for the velocity of an orbiting planet.

Kepler's second law of planetary motion is stated and explained. An animation of the orbit of a planet and an accompanying graphic assists in explaining the meaning of the law of equal areas.

This site from the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a set of directions for the creation of a solar system model out of paper mache. Includes orbital distances and planet diameters for the nine planets. Great idea for a student...

This interactive activity from NOVA Online lets you spin a spiral galaxy, including our own Milky Way. It demonstrates that what you can learn from visible light observations of a galaxy is largely determined by the angle from which you...