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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. Then,
A
the acceleration of S is always directed 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 magnitude
Detailed Solution
The only force on S is earth's gravity, which always points towards the centre of the earth, so the acceleration is always directed towards the centre.
Being a central force, it conserves angular momentum (both magnitude and direction) and total mechanical energy; the speed, and so the linear momentum, changes along the ellipse.
Being a central force, it conserves angular momentum (both magnitude and direction) and total mechanical energy; the speed, and so the linear momentum, changes along the ellipse.