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NEET PHYSICSGRAVITATIONEasy

Question

The kinetic energies of a planet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, at positions A, B and C are KAK_A, KBK_B and KCK_C respectively. AC is the major axis and SB is perpendicular to AC at the position of the Sun S, as shown in the figure. Then:

A

KA>KB>KCK_A > K_B > K_C

B

KB>KA>KCK_B > K_A > K_C

C

KA<KB<KCK_A < K_B < K_C

D

KB<KA<KCK_B < K_A < K_C

Step-by-Step Solution

According to Kepler's Second Law (Law of Areas) and the conservation of angular momentum, a planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is farther away.

  1. Point A (Perihelion): This is the point closest to the Sun on the major axis. Here, the distance rAr_A is minimum, so the speed vAv_A is maximum. Consequently, the kinetic energy KAK_A is maximum.
  2. Point C (Aphelion): This is the point farthest from the Sun on the major axis. Here, the distance rCr_C is maximum, so the speed vCv_C is minimum. Consequently, the kinetic energy KCK_C is minimum.
  3. Point B: This point lies at the end of the semi-latus rectum (perpendicular to the major axis at the focus). Its distance rBr_B is intermediate between rAr_A and rCr_C (rA<rB<rCr_A < r_B < r_C). Therefore, the speed and kinetic energy are also intermediate.

Thus, the order of kinetic energies is KA>KB>KCK_A > K_B > K_C.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from GRAVITATION. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

PHYSICSGRAVITATIONkineticenergiesplanetellipticalaround

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