Orbits and Objects: The Influence of Gravitational Pull on Celestial Objects

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of my project is to see if a star's gravitational field strength would have any effect on the elliptical path of the comet that orbits the star. Methods/Materials I used an iron bolt, fish hook weighing scale, stand (desk lamp), disk magnets, a pushpin, floss/string, and a flat iron wrench. First, I made an oscillating pendulum using the desk lamp, floss, and iron bolt. Then, I found the magnetic field strength of each magnet. Next, I made a measuring chart using 21 concentric circles. Finally, I rotated the bolt in the influence of magnets and traced its path using 4 groups - 4 magnets, 8 magnets, 12 magnets, and no magnets. Results I found out that the most elliptical orbit was caused by the strongest magnet, and the least elliptical path was caused by no magnets. Conclusions/Discussion The strongest magnet caused the most elliptical path. The results mean that if the star has a strong gravitational pull, the comet that orbits the star will have a very elliptical path and vice versa. By creating a model, a prediction can be made on when a comet will hit Earth.

Competition history

• CSEF 2010 Physics & Astronomy · Entry J1910

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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