Gravitation 3 Question 5
8. 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
(1998, 2M)
(a) the acceleration of
(b) the angular momentum of
(c) the total mechanical energy of
(d) the linear momentum of
Assertion and Reason
Mark your answer as
(a) If Statement I is true, Statement II is true; Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
(b) If Statement I is true, Statement II is true; Statement II is not a correct explanation for Statement I
(c) If Statement I is true; Statement II is false
(d) If Statement I is false; Statement II is true
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: 8. (a)
Solution:
- Force on satellite is always towards earth, therefore, acceleration of satellite
is always directed towards centre of the earth. Net torque of this gravitational force about centre of earth is zero. Therefore, angular momentum (both in magnitude and direction ) of about centre of earth is constant throughout. Since, the force is conservative in nature, therefore mechanical energy of satellite remains constant. Speed of is maximum when it is nearest to earth and minimum when it is farthest.