JEE Main Physics question

A satellite is moving in an elliptical orbit around the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small compared to the mass of the earth. Then

(A)The acceleration of is always directed towards the centre of the earthCorrect
(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

Gravity on the satellite is always directed toward earth's centre (a central force), so its acceleration always points there — true at every instant. The satellite's angular momentum about the centre is fully conserved (both magnitude and direction, not just

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Question ID VK-154462