JEE Main 12 Jan 2019 Morning Question 13
Question: A satellite of mass M is in a circular orbit of radius R about the centre of the earth. A meteorite of the same mass, falling towards the earth, collides with the satellite completely in elastically. The speeds of the satellite and meteorite are the same, just before the collision. The subsequent motion of the combined body will be [JEE Main Online Paper Held On 12-Jan-2019 Morning]
Options:
A) in an elliptical orbit
B) in the same circular orbit of radius R
C) in a circular orbit of a different radius
D) such that it escapes to infinity.
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Due to inelastic collision, the total energy of the systems changes.
$ \therefore $ It will shift in a circular orbit of different radius.
