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

Options

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

Answer

A, C

Explanation

(a,c) Force on satellite is always towards earth, therefore
acceleration of satellite S is always directed towards
centre of earth. Net torque of this gravitatinal force
F about centre of erath is zero. Therefore, angular
momentum (both in magnitdue and direction ) of S about centre of earth is constant throughout. Since the forece F is conservation in nature. therefore mechanical
enegy of stellite remais constant, Speed of S is
maximum when it is nearest to earth and minimum when
it is farther.