A comet orbits the Sun in a highly elliptical orbit. Does the comet have a constant (a) linear speed (b) angular speed (c) angular momentum (d) kinetic energy (e) potential energy (f) total energy throughout its orbit? Neglect any mass loss of the comet when it comes very close to the Sun.

Explanation

(a) No, the comet has does not have a constant linear speed because a planet moves faster when it is close to the sun and moves slower when it is away from the sun.
(b) No, the comet does not have a constant angular speed.
(c ) Yes, the angular momentum is conserved.
(d) No, the linear speed of a planet is varying, therefore, kinetic energy of the comet is also changing.
(e) No, as the distance of the comet from the SUn is changing the comet does not have a constant potential energy.
(f) Yes, the comet has a constant total energy throughout its orbit.