Universe Sandbox

Universe Sandbox Legacy => Universe Sandbox Legacy | Discussion => Topic started by: infringement153 on June 20, 2010, 01:03:35 AM

Title: What's the difference between
Post by: infringement153 on June 20, 2010, 01:03:35 AM

In a two-body system, what's the difference between making the total momentum zero, and zeroing the velocities of the two bodies?

Title: Re: What's the difference between
Post by: space guy1 on June 20, 2010, 05:37:40 AM

quite a lot actually,  zero total momentum means that the system barycenter will stay in the same spot in absolute space.  zeroing the velocities of the 2 bodies makes them stop orbiting around the barycenter and from then they will start moving towards each other in a straight line until they collide.  try it for a better explanation