Orbital motion under a central force $F \sim r^n$ with adjustable power-law exponent
This program simulates the trajectory of a particle moving under a central gravitational force whose radial dependence follows an adjustable power law F ~ r^n, generalizing the standard inverse-square law of Newtonian gravity. By varying the exponent, one can observe qualitatively different orbital behaviors: closed ellipses for the inverse-square law, precessing orbits for other exponents, and unstable spiraling trajectories for certain powers. The orbits are computed numerically and displayed in 3D.
Controls: Click and drag to orbit, scroll to zoom.
