MHT CET Physics question

A satellite is moving in an elliptical orbit around the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small as compared to the mass of the earth. Which of the following statements is correct?

(A)The acceleration of is always directed towards the centre of the earth.Correct
(B)The angular momentum of about the centre of the earth changes in direction but its magnitude remains constant.
(C)The total mechanical energy of varies periodically with time.
(D)The linear momentum of remains constant in magnitude.

Answer: (A)

Solution

The gravitational force is central, so the acceleration always points to the centre of the earth; angular momentum is conserved in both magnitude and direction (so (b) is false),

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Question ID VK-060191