Question

A comet orbits the sun in a highly elliptical orbit. Which of the following quantities remains constant throughout its orbit?
(i) Linear speed
(ii) Angular speed
(iii) Angular momentum
(iv) Kinetic energy
(v) Potential energy
(vi) Total energy

• A. (i), (ii), (iii)
• B. (iii), (iv), (v)
• C. (iii) and (vi)
• D. (ii), (iii) and (vi)

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

A comet while going on elliptical orbit around the sun has constant angular momentum and total energy at all locations but other quantities vary with locations.