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 $\varphi =\pi$ rather than sitting at the torque-free value $\varphi =\pi$.

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.