ASTR630 Planetary Science, Fall 2014 Homework Assignment #1

1. Problem 1.3.I

2. Problem 2.2.I (Optional) This is probably the hardest problem we'll look at this semester.

3. Problem 2.4.I: For part a), calculate also the velocity (relative to Earth) necessary to i) hit the Sun, ii) leave the Solar System, iii) go into a circular orbit about the Sun at i~90 degrees, and iv) reach Mercury's orbit. Rank in order of increasing difficulty. Which have our spacecraft done? Note: the old book does not have parts d) and e)!

4. Problem 2.10.I

5. Problem 2.16.I. Now, work out the potential at any point interior to a spherical shell. (Optional) Can you work out the potential at any point interior to an ellipsoidal shell?

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