Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2026/iii/paper-316/4/d/solution

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 .
Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.

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