A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. The mass of the satellite is very small compared to the mass of the Earth.Then, which one of the following statements is correct?

A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. The m

1.	A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the Earth. The mass of the satellite is very small compared to the mass of the Earth.Then, which one of the following statements is correct?
Answer» the LINEAR momentum of S REMAINS constant in the MAGNITUDE the acceleration of S is always directed towards the centre of the Earth. the angular momentum of S about the centre of the Earth changes in direction, but its magnitude remains constant the TOTAL mechanical energy of S varies PERIODICALLY with time Solution :The gravitational force on the satellite S acts towards the centre of the Earth. So, the acceleration of the satellite S is always directed towards the centre of the Earth.