Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2021 iii Paper 316 1 ii Solution 2026-09-28
Let be the specific angular momentum. The radial Kepler orbit equation has semi-latus rectum , so comparison withgives for an elliptic orbit and for a hyperbolic Kepler orbit. At either apsis, and . Substituting the apsidal radius and angular momentum into part (i), or equivalently using the vis-viva equation, givesThus the signs are in the convention of the question.