A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small as comapred to the mass of the earth. Then,

Options

A. The acceleration of S always directed towards of the earth
B. The angular momentum of S about the centre of the earth changews in direction but its magnitude remains constant.
C. The total mechanical energy of S varies perodically with line
D. The linear momentum of S remains constant in magnitude

Answer

A

Explanation

Force on satellite is always towards earth. Therefore acceleration of satellite S is always directed towards centre of the earth. Net torque of this gravitaoinal force F about centre of earth is constant throughout. Since the force F is conservative in nature therefore mechanical energy of atellite remains constant speed of S is maximum when it is nearest to earth and minimum when it is farthest.