Attractive and repulsive inverse-square closest approaches

ID: attractive-and-repulsive-inverse-square-closest-approaches

For unit mass, incoming speed , impact parameter , and potential energy , put . At closest approach, conservation of energy and conservation of angular momentum give the displayed radii and tangential speeds . Consequently and . These relations compare equal force magnitudes. The attractive radial case is a singular collision, so the speed-product statement does not extend to that endpoint.

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