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1)A comet orbits the sun in a highly elliptical orbit.Does the comet have a constant? a)linear spped b)angular speed c)angular momentum d)kinetic energy e)potential energy f)total energy throughout its orbit.Neglect any mass loss of the comet,when it comes very close to the sun?
(a) No.
Using conservation of angular momentum,
L=constant
vr=constant

Clearly linear speed varies as a function of distance from focus,

(b) No.Angular speed of comet also varies slightly.


(c) Yes. Angular momentum remains constant.

(d) No. As linear speed varies,so does the kinetic energy.(K.E.=1/2 mv^2)

(e) No. Potential Energy depends upon the distance between sun and comet ,which keeps on changing as the comet moves along orbit.

(f) Yes. Total energy ,which is sum of potential and kinetic energy remains constant.

Angular momentum and total energy at all points of the orbit of a comet moving in a highly elliptical orbit around the Sun are constant. Its linear speed, angular speed, kinetic, and potential energy varies from point to point in the orbit.


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