A comet is found to move in an elliptical orbit. When the comet's aphelion distance is 2.5 AU, it has a velocity of 100 m/s. The point of closest approach is 0.5 AU from the Sun. The velocity of the comet at the point of closest approach is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conservation of angular momentum and energy in the orbit of a comet allows us to determine its velocity at different points in its orbit. When a comet moves closer to the Sun, its velocity increases due to the conservation of angular momentum. The specific orbital energy (the sum of kinetic and potential energy) is constant throughout the orbit. Using these principles, we can calculate the velocity at perihelion (closest approach) if we know the velocity at aphelion (farthest point). The significant increase in velocity from 100 m/s at aphelion to a much higher value at perihelion is consistent with these conservation laws, making option C (5.0 × 10^2 m/s) the correct answer.

A Comet Is Found to Move in an Elliptical Orbit ×\times×

A Comet Is Found to Move in an Elliptical Orbit $\times$