When a satellite has an elliptical orbit the plane of the orbit

Options

A. Sometimes passes through the centre of earth
B. does not pass through the centre of earth
C. passes through the centre of earth
D. none of the above

Answer

To solve the question regarding the plane of an elliptical orbit of a satellite, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Elliptical Orbit**:
- A satellite in an elliptical orbit follows a path that is shaped like an ellipse. An ellipse has two focal points (foci).

2. **Identifying the Foci**:
- In the case of a satellite orbiting Earth, one of the foci of the ellipse is occupied by the Earth itself. The other focus is an empty point in space.

3. **Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion**:
- According to Kepler's Second Law, a line segment joining a planet (or satellite) and the Sun (or Earth) sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This implies that the satellite's motion is confined to a specific plane.

4. **Plane of the Orbit**:
- The plane of the elliptical orbit is defined by the path of the satellite. Since one focus is at the center of the Earth, the plane of the orbit must pass through the center of the Earth.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the plane of the elliptical orbit of the satellite passes through the center of the Earth and extends outward in both directions.

### Final Answer:
The plane of the elliptical orbit of a satellite passes through the center of the Earth.

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