Learning Objectives
- Gravity pulls objects together.
- Orbital speed helps keep a planet in orbit.
- Distance affects orbital motion.
PhysicsMiddle / High School12 min
Gravity and Orbits
Explore a simplified orbit model with a central body and orbiting planet.
Live Values
Status
Too fast: may escape
Stable speed
3.7
Distance
150
Mass
5
Formula
stable speed ∝ √(M / r)
This simplified visual model relates suggested speed to mass and distance.
Try this
Adjust speed and distance to create a stable orbit.
Speed is high. Reduce orbit speed.
Tags
GravityOrbitSpeedDistance