For central potential and nonzero angular momentum , a circular orbit satisfies , so attraction requires . Twice differentiating the radial effective potential gives . Its harmonic approximation therefore has radial angular frequency , whereas . This proves the ratio and shows stability precisely when . At the tuned effective potential is flat; at the radial disturbance grows exponentially. Rationality of this local frequency ratio is only a necessary condition for all nearby orbits to close; Bertrand's theorem makes a stronger finite-amplitude assertion.
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