Question

A satellite S is moving in a circular orbit around the earth, then choose the correct option (The mass of the satellite is very small as compared to the mass of the earth).

• 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

Answer 1

The correct option is A

The acceleration of S is always directed towards the centre of the earth.

The satellite undergoes a uniform circular motion around the earth, so it would only have a centripetal acceleration. The angular momentum would remain constant as no force is acting tangentially. Mechanical energy would remain conserved. Linear momentum magnitude would remain constant but due to change in the direction of velocity at every instant, the value of linear momentum would change.