NEET Physics Question - Gravitation

A planet is moving in a elliptical orbit. If T, U, E and L are its kinetic energy, potential energy, total energy and magnitude of angular momentum respectively. Then which is true

T is conserved

U is always positive

E is always negative

L is conserved but direction of vector L will continously change

Solution:

For a planet in an elliptical orbit:

- Total energy (E) is the sum of kinetic energy (T) and potential energy (U).
- In a bound orbit like an ellipse, E is always negative. This indicates that the planet is gravitationally bound to the star and cannot escape.
- Kinetic energy (T) is always positive.
- Potential energy (U) is negative due to the attractive gravitational force, and its magnitude is greater than T.
- Angular momentum (L) is constant for elliptical orbits.

Thus, E is always negative for elliptical orbits.

Rankers Physics

Solution:

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