Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2026/iii/paper-316/4/d/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2026 iii Paper 316 4 d Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
Poynting–Robertson drag removes angular momentum, so a trapped grain requires positive resonant torque from the planet. Part (c) shows that conjunction must occur after the dust has passed apoapsis. In the planet's rotating frame, the four-lobed pattern is therefore rotated so that the relevant outer lobe lags the fixed planet in the direction of orbital motion. Equivalently,with the stable phase displaced beyond rather than sitting at the torque-free value .
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