Angular Momentum and Conservation of Angular Momentum - NEET Physics Questions
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Angular Momentum and Conservation of Angular Momentum

Question 11: difficult

A planet is moving in an elliptical orbit around the sun. If $T$, $V$, $E$ and $L$ stand respectively for its kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, total energy and magnitude of angular momentum about the centre of force, which of the following is correct?

(1990)

1. $T$ is conserved
2. $V$ is always positive
3. $E$ is always negative
4. $L$ is conserved but direction of vector $L$ changes continuously
View Answer

For a bound elliptical orbit, total energy $E$ is always negative. $T$ and $V$ vary with distance, and $L$ is conserved in both magnitude and direction as Torque is Zero. Gravitational force is passing through Center of Rotation so Toque is zero.