State and derive Kepler's third law

Kepler's third law states that the square of the period of any planet is proportional to the cube of its orbital radius.To derive it, two equations are required: F=GMm/r^2 and F = mv^2/r. These are Newtons law of gravity and the centripetal force for an object moving in circular motion respectively.By equating the two you can see that GMm/r^2 = mv^2/r. the m's and r's (mass and radius) then cancel to give: GM/r = v^2.v^2 can be shown to be equal to (2pir/T)^2, which I would show in the video and this can be substituted in to finally show that: T^2 = 4pi^2r^3/GM. I can then expand on this question by asking the student to find the period of a planet with mass M and radius r.

SB
Answered by Samuel B. Physics tutor

3553 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A wire has length l, cross-sectional area a, resistivity p and resistance R. It is compressed to a third of its original length but its volume and resistivity are constant. Show its new resistance is R/9.


Why does a single slit diffraction pattern occur?


What is the 'centre of gravity' of an object and how do I calculate it?


In the Photoelectric effect, Why does increasing the light intensity have no effect on the energy of the electron emitted?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning