Q.

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,

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By Expert Faculty of Sri Chaitanya

the linear momentum of S remains constant in magnitude.

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

the angular momentum of S about the centre of the earth changes in direction, but its magnitude remains constant.

the total mechanical energy of S varies periodically with time.

answer is 2.

(Detailed Solution Below)

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Detailed Solution

The gravitational force on the satellite S acts towards the centre of the earth, so the acceleration of the satellite S is always directed towards the centre of the earth.

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