Homework Help: Physics

Posted by Thomas on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 3:39pm.

I have to find the eccentricity of an elliptical orbit with one focus, earth's center, E. I know the formula to find eccentricity is sqrt(1-)(b^2/a^2), but I don't know where to use the radius or if I need it. Do I just need to use the eccentricity formula to find it?

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Physics - bobpursley, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 4:00pm
all elliptical orbits have two focus loci. The Center of Earth is NOT a foci of Earths orbit, as the Earth is always moving. Foci do not travel in orbit. Neither is the Sun at a foci, but very near to it. Other planets pull on the Sun, so it moves slightly in time.

Use the eccentricity to find it.

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