Roche Limit
This interactive simulator explores Roche Limit in Gravity & Orbits. Fluid d ≈ 2.456 R_p (ρ_p/ρ_s)^(1/3); vs orbit distance. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Gravity & Orbits.
Key terms
- roche
- limit
- roche limit
- gravity
- orbits
How it works
A moon held together mainly by self-gravity can be torn apart by tidal forces if it orbits too close. A common order-of-magnitude scale is the fluid Roche limit, proportional to the primary radius and to the cube root of the mean-density ratio ρ_primary/ρ_satellite. Real breakup depends on material strength and rotation.
Key equations
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