Question

Maximum and minimum distances of a comet from sun are 1.4 x 10¹² m and 7 x 10¹⁰ m respectively. If its velocity closer to sun is 6 x 10⁴ m s^-1, what will be its velocity in position of maximum distance?

Answer 1

According to the principle of conservation of momentum

L₁ = L₂

m₁v₁r₁ = m₂v₂r₂ [because L = mvr]

here m₁ = m₂ = m

∴ r₁v₁ = r₂v₂

_{\(\therefore\ v_1 = \frac{r_2v_2}{r_1} = \frac{6\times10^4\times7\times10^{10}}{1.4\times10^{12}}\)}

v = 3 x 10³ m s^-1