Satellite Orbit and Angular Momentum – Rankers Physics
Topic: Gravitation
Subtopic: Planet and Satellite

Satellite Orbit and Angular Momentum

Assertion (A): Even when orbit of a satellite is elliptical, its plane of rotation passes through the centre of earth.
Reason (R): According to law of conservation of angular momentum plane of rotation of satellite always remain same.
 
(1) Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
(2) Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false
(4) Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution:

Assertion (A): For any central force, the orbit is always planar and contains the center of force (Earth's center). So (A) is true.

Reason (R): Gravitational force is a central force, so net torque is zero. This implies conservation of angular momentum, \(\vec{L} = \vec{r} \times \vec{p}\), which means the orbital plane is fixed. So (R) is true. (R) correctly explains (A).

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