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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A satellite of mass m orbits around the Earth of mass M in an elliptical orbit of semi-major and semi-minor axes 2a and a respectively. The angular momentum of the satellite about the centre of the Earth is
PhysicsGravitationJEE Main
Options:
  • A πmGMa2
  • B πmGMa4
  • C mGMa8
  • D mGMa2
Solution:
1446 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: mGMa2

If the satellite was orbiting the Earth in a circular orbit of radius 2a, then its time period would be

T=2π2a3GM

The same would be the time period of the satellite if it orbits in an ellipse having a semi-major axis 2a

The area of the ellipse is

A=π×2a×a=2πa2

dAdt=L2m=2πa2T, where L is the angular momentum of the satellite about the centre of the Earth.

L=4πma2GM2π8a3=mGMa2

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