PHYSICS $151$L: ALL SECTIONS

Assignment

Write a VPython program that will simulate the Earth's orbit around the Sun. Set the

Sun's position at the origin. Use input data that approximately corresponds to the actual

system. Namely, tangential velocities, masses, radii, etc.

You'll need $($in SI units$)$:

Universal gravitational constant $(G)$; Note: This is different from $g=9\mathrm{.}8\frac{m}{s^2}$

Distance from earth to sun

Mass of sun and earth

Radii of sun and earth

Orbit velocity of earth

Plot The Following QUANTities:

Plot the vector components of the Sun and Earth velocities as functions of time

Plot the vector components of the Sun and Earth momenta as functions of time

Plot total momenta as functions of time $($sum of their components$)$

$2\mathrm{.}1.$ Answer the following: What are the conserved quantities?

Additionally, use the velocity graphs and an algorithm to determine the period of rotation

of the earth in days, and compare to the known data.

Write a report that contains all the relevant information.