The mass enclosed in any orbit can be estimated from the equation M(

Question

The mass enclosed in any orbit can be estimated from the equation M(<r)= v2r/ G. If the quantity (v2r)is constant, regardless of radius, where is the mass located?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If (v2r) is constant regardless of radius, that means the velocity and radius are inversely proportional to each other. Therefore, the mass must be concentrated in the center as the velocity increases as you move closer to the center due to the increased gravitational force from the mass.

The Mass Enclosed in Any Orbit Can Be Estimated from the Equation