Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2017 / 11 / b

Put ${\mu }_J=G{M}_J$. At the periapsis distance, the radial velocity vanishes. Insert $E=m{v}_0^2/2$ and $J=mb{v}_0$ into a:The positive root isRationalizing gives the numerically stable alternative $r_{\min }=b^2{v}_0^2/[\sqrt{{\mu }_J^2+b^2{v}_0^4}+{\mu }_J]$. Attraction makes $r_{\min }<b$. This is a point-planet scattering calculation; a noncolliding physical encounter must also have $r_{\min }$ outside Jupiter's surface. At $b=0$, the limiting formula gives a radial collision, not a flyby.