Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati
Department of Physics
PH104L: Introduction to Classical Mechanics
Instructor: Dr. Kapildeb Dolui Date: 10/04/2026
Tutorial-6
1. Bonus Question:
(a) Derive the velocity and acceleration vector in 2-dimensional polar coordinates
(r, θ).
(b) Derive the polar (r, θ) equation of an ellipse.
2. Particle of mass is observed to move in a spiral orbit given by the equation r = Ce−θ ,
where C is constant. Is it moving in a central force field? If it is so, find the force
law.
3. Make an schematic draw of effective potential Veff = (J 2 /2µr2 ) − V (r) for the motion
occurs under action of central force,
k k′
f (r) = − +
r2 r3
where k > 0 and k ′ may be greater or less than zero.
4. Show that the Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector R ⃗ = (P⃗ × J) ⃗ − mk ⃗r is a constant of
r
motion only for the potential V (r) = − kr . What is the significance of for trajectory
of different types?
5. Suppose V (r) = krn+1 , k being a constant.
(a) Find the condition for stability of circular orbit.
(b) What will be the equivalent of Kepler’s third law for the given potential?
6. Bonus question: Two particles of identical mass move in circular orbits under the
potential V (r) = 12 kr2 . Let j1 , j2 be the angular momenta and r1 , r2 the radii of the
orbits respectively. If jj21 = 2, find rr12 .