ELLIPTICAL ORBIT Meaning and
Definition
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An elliptical orbit refers to the path followed by an object, such as a planet or satellite, around another celestial body, typically in a flat or curve-shaped pattern. This orbital trajectory takes the form of an ellipse, which is a two-dimensional, elongated and closed shape resembling a flattened circle. The elliptical orbit can be visualized as an elongated oval, with the celestial body it revolves around occupying one of the two foci of the ellipse.
In an elliptical orbit, the object does not move equidistantly from the celestial body at all times. Instead, the distance between them varies as the object moves along its path. The point in the orbit where the object is closest to the celestial body is called the perigee or perihelion, while the point farthest from it is referred to as the apogee or aphelion.
Elliptical orbits are governed by Newton's laws of motion and gravity, which state that a body in motion will follow a curved path under the gravitational influence of another body. This allows for a wide range of orbital shapes, including circular orbits as a special case of elliptical orbits. Additionally, the eccentricity of an elliptical orbit, which measures the elongation of the ellipse, determines the extent of variation in distance between the object and the celestial body. Hence, elliptical orbits have varying levels of eccentricity, indicating the degree of deviation from a perfect circle.
Common Misspellings for ELLIPTICAL ORBIT
- wlliptical orbit
- slliptical orbit
- dlliptical orbit
- rlliptical orbit
- 4lliptical orbit
- 3lliptical orbit
- ekliptical orbit
- epliptical orbit
- eoliptical orbit
- elkiptical orbit
- elpiptical orbit
- eloiptical orbit
- elluptical orbit
- elljptical orbit
- ellkptical orbit
- elloptical orbit
- ell9ptical orbit
- ell8ptical orbit
- elliotical orbit
- elliltical orbit
Etymology of ELLIPTICAL ORBIT
The etymology of the word "elliptical orbit" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components:
1. Elliptical: The word "elliptical" comes from the Latin word "ellipticus", which itself is derived from the Greek word "elleiptikos" meaning "oval-shaped" or "deficient". The Latin term "ellipse" refers to a geometric shape that is similar to an elongated oval or a flattened circle.
2. Orbit: The word "orbit" can be traced back to the Latin word "orbita", which refers to the path or track formed by a heavenly body (such as a planet or a moon) as it moves around another celestial object. The Latin term is derived from the verb "orbis", meaning "circle" or "disk".
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