A planet orbits the sun in an elliptical path. Which of the following statements

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Question: A planet orbits the sun in an elliptical path. Which of the following statements is true regarding its angular momentum?

Options:

Correct Answer: It is constant.

Solution:

The angular momentum of a planet about the sun is conserved as there is no external torque acting on it.

A planet orbits the sun in an elliptical path. Which of the following statements is true regarding its angular momentum?

A planet orbits the sun in an elliptical path. Which of the following statements is true regarding its angular momentum?

Step 1: Understand what angular momentum is. Angular momentum is a measure of how much motion an object has as it rotates around a point, in this case, the sun.
Step 2: Recognize that the planet is moving in an elliptical path around the sun. This means its distance from the sun changes as it orbits.
Step 3: Identify that angular momentum depends on the mass of the planet, its velocity, and its distance from the sun.
Step 4: Note that there are no external forces (like friction) acting on the planet in space that would change its motion significantly.
Step 5: Understand the concept of conservation of angular momentum. This means that if no external torque (twisting force) is acting on the planet, its angular momentum will remain constant.
Step 6: Conclude that since there is no external torque acting on the planet, its angular momentum about the sun is conserved.

Angular Momentum Conservation – Angular momentum is conserved in a system where no external torques are acting, which applies to a planet orbiting the sun.
Elliptical Orbits – Planets follow elliptical orbits as described by Kepler's laws, affecting their velocity and angular momentum.
Torque – Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis; in this case, the absence of external torque is crucial for conservation.