Ratio of Linear Velocities in an Elliptical Orbit – Rankers Physics
Topic: Gravitation
Subtopic: Keplers Law

Ratio of Linear Velocities in an Elliptical Orbit

A planet moving along an elliptical orbit is closest to the sun at a distance $r_1$ and farthest away at a distance of $r_2$. If $v_1$ and $v_2$ are the linear velocities at these points respectively, then the ratio is

(2011 Mains)

$\left(\frac{r_1}{r_2}\right)^2$
$\frac{r_2}{r_1}$
$\left(\frac{r_2}{r_1}\right)^2$
$\frac{r_1}{r_2}$

Solution:

By the conservation of angular momentum at the closest and farthest points, $mv_1r_1 = mv_2r_2$. Therefore, the ratio of their linear velocities $\frac{v_1}{v_2}$ is equal to $\frac{r_2}{r_1}$.

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