This class will extend our discussion of circular orbits. We will talk about general motion of a small object (like the Earth) in the presence of a large object (like the Sun). Specifically, we will talk about elliptical orbits, free fall, and escape velocity.
We will try all this out in class in the studio exercise. Don't forget that in this exercise we will use "natural units".
Over the weekend, you have one homework problem from the textbook which covers the same stuff we did in class today. You also are to do a little web surfing and turn in something on the Mars pathfinder mission, in preparation for Monday's class.
