Question

This quantity corresponds to the first integral c0 (“c-sub-zero”) in the double-averaged restricted three-body problem. Approximate solutions to the secular Kozai Hamiltonian are most commonly found by perturbatively expanding it as a function of a ratio of two forms of this quantity. In the Kepler problem, this quantity equals negative standard gravitational parameter over two times specific orbital energy. Averaging orbital distance over the (*) eccentric anomaly yields this quantity. One over this quantity is subtracted from two over distance on the right hand side of the vis-viva equation. This quantity equals (10[2])the average of apoapsis and periapsis. (10[1])The cube (-5[1])of this quantity is proportional to the square of orbital period, according to Kepler’s Third Law. For 10 points, name this quantity equal to half an elliptical orbit’s longest diameter. (10[1])■END■

ANSWER: semimajor axis of orbit [prompt on a]
<Fine, Physics>
= Average correct buzz position

Back to tossups

Buzzes

PlayerTeamOpponentBuzz PositionValue
Ali HamzehWilliams et al.Free-ish Agents8910
Ali HamzehWilliams et al.Free-ish Agents8910
Sean FarrellHouston Junior CollegeRiley et al.9510
David BassCleo: 5/7 movieThe Present King of James is Bald97-5
Ariel FaederThe Present King of James is BaldCleo: 5/7 movie12710

Summary

2024 ESPN @ Chicago03/23/2024Y6100%0%33%103.83
2024 ESPN @ Columbia03/23/2024Y683%0%17%94.60
2024 ESPN @ Duke03/23/2024Y2100%0%0%100.00
2024 ESPN @ Brown04/06/2024Y367%0%33%97.50
2024 ESPN @ Cambridge04/06/2024Y2100%0%50%111.50
2024 ESPN @ Online06/01/2024Y4100%0%25%100.00