$A$ 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.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(C, F) No. The linear speed changes as the distance from the Sun changes.
$(b)$ No. The angular speed changes according to Kepler's second law.
$(c)$ Yes. Since the gravitational force is a central force,the torque acting on the comet is zero,so angular momentum is conserved.
$(d)$ No. Kinetic energy changes as the linear speed changes.
$(e)$ No. Potential energy depends on the distance from the Sun,which varies in an elliptical orbit.
$(f)$ Yes. The total mechanical energy of the comet remains constant in the gravitational field of the Sun.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Two stars of masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ are parts of a binary star system. The radii of their orbits are $r_1$ and $r_2$ respectively,measured from the centre of mass of the system. The magnitude of the gravitational force that $m_1$ exerts on $m_2$ is

What is a geostationary satellite? What is the orbital period of a geostationary satellite?

Who decides the upward direction in an artificial satellite?

Give the uses of geostationary satellite and polar satellite.

Three identical bodies of equal mass $M$ each are moving along a circle of radius $R$ under the action of their mutual gravitational attraction. The speed of each body is

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo