Showing posts with label particular. Show all posts
Showing posts with label particular. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Lagrangian Points


in particular, with respect to the Earth and Moon, the locations where the gravitational forces are equal and so objects positioned at such points remain fixed. There are five such points between the Earth and Moon.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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The Lagrangian points (pronounced /ləˈgrandʒiən/; also Lagrange points, L-points, or libration points), are the five positions in an orbital configuration where a small object affected only by gravity can theoretically be stationary relative to two larger objects (such as a satellite with respect to the Earth and Moon). The Lagrange points mark positions where the combined gravitational pull of the two large masses provides precisely the centripetal force required to rotate with them. They are analogous to geostationary orbits in that they allow an object to be in a "fixed" position in space rather than an orbit in which its relative position changes continuously.


More technically and precisely, Lagrangian points are the stationary solutions of the circular restricted three-body problem. For example, given two massive bodies in circular orbits around their common center of mass, there are five positions in space where a third body, of comparatively negligible mass, could be placed which would then maintain its position relative to the two massive bodies. As seen in a rotating reference frame with the same period as the two co-orbiting bodies, the gravitational fields of two massive bodies combined with the centrifugal force are in balance at the Lagrangian points, allowing the third body to be stationary with respect to the first two bodies.

Taken from Wikipedia

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Habitat


the place where a plant or animal normally lives, specified by particular features e.g. rivers, ponds, sea shore.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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A habitat (which is Latin for "it inhabits") is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular animal or plant species. It is the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that surrounds (influences and is utilized by) a species population.

Taken from Wikipedia