Centre Of Mass Ques 4
- A satellite of mass $M$ is in a circular orbit of radius $R$ about the centre of the earth. A meteorite of the same mass falling towards the earth collides with the satellite completely inelastically. The speeds of the satellite and the meteorite are the same just before the collision. The subsequent motion of the combined body will be
(2019 Main, 12 Jan I)
(a) in the same circular orbit of radius $R$
(b) in an elliptical orbit
(c) such that it escapes to infinity
(d) in a circular orbit of a different radius
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Answer:
Correct Answer: 4.( b )
Solution:
7 According to the given condition in the question, after collision the mass of combined system is doubled. Also, this system would be displaced from its circular orbit. So, the combined system revolves around centre of mass of ‘system + earth’ under action of a central force. Hence, orbit must be elliptical.
BETA
