Orbit Challenge 2
by Demian Quiroz
Students use a 2-D physics sandbox, called Algodoo, to simulate the factors that might affect the period of a circular orbit of a planet about a star. Students develop Kepler's 3rd Law conceptually by changing factors like the mass of the planet, orbital radius, and the mass of the star, for example. Meant as an exercise to explore scientific thinking with semi-quantitative analysis.