A planet moving along an elliptical orbit is closest to the sun at a distance r1 and farthest away at a distance of r2. If v1 and v2 are the linear velocities at these points respectively, then the ratio v1v2 is
- (r1/r2)2
- r2/r1
- (r2/r1)2
- r1/r2
Answer
(2) r2/r1
Solution
The gravitational force on the planet is central, so its angular momentum about the sun is conserved (Kepler's law of areas).
At the nearest and farthest points, velocity is perpendicular to the radius vector:
mv1r1 = mv2r2
v1v2 = r2r1
Answer: (2)