Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2026 / iii / Paper 316 / 1 / b / Solution

Put $u=1/r$. Since $h=r^2\dot{\theta }$, the radial equation becomes the Binet equationwhere primes denote derivatives with respect to the polar angle. Choosing the angular origin at periapsis givesWriting the semi-latus rectum as $h^2/\mu =a(1-e^2)$ yields the Kepler orbitHence the specific angular momentum and specific orbital energy are

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