Question

Explain the motion of a planet around the Sun in an elliptical path.

April 5, 2024

Answer

The motion of a planet around the Sun in an elliptical path is an example of uniform circular motion. The gravitational force of attraction on the planet by the Sun provides the necessary centripetal force for this uniform circular motion as it is always directed towards the centre of the Sun.

💡 Some Related Questions

A piece of stone tied at the end of a thread is whirled in a horizontal circle with uniform speed with the help of hand. Answer the following questions:
(a) Is the velocity of stone uniform or variable?
(b) Is the acceleration of stone uniform or variable?
(c) What is the direction of acceleration of stone at any instant?
(d) Which force provides the centripetal force required for circular motion?
(e) Name the force and its direction which acts on the hand.

A small pebble tied at one end of a string is placed near the periphery of a circular disc, at the center of which the other end of the string is tied to a peg. The disc is rotating about an axis passing through its centre.
(a) What will be your observation when you are standing outside the disc? Explain.
(b) What will be your observation when you are standing at the centre of the disc. Explain.

A uniform circular motion is an accelerated motion. Explain it. State whether the acceleration is uniform or variable? Name the force responsible to cause this acceleration. What is the direction of force at any instant? Draw diagram in support of your answer.

Draw a neat labelled diagram for a particle moving in a circular path with a constant speed. In your diagram show the direction of velocity at any instant.

Explain the meaning of uniform circular motion. Why is such motion said to be accelerated?

State two differences between the centripetal and centrifugal force.

(a) How does a centripetal force differ from a centrifugal force with reference to the direction in which they act?
(b) Is centrifugal force the force of reaction of the centripetal force?
(c) Compare the magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force.

What is a centripetal force ?

Differentiate between uniform linear motion and a uniform circular motion.

State whether the following statements are true or false by writing T/F against them.
(a) Earth moves around the Sun with a uniform velocity.
(b) The motion of Moon around Earth in a circular path is an accelerated motion.
(c) A uniform linear motion is unaccelerated, while a uniform circular motion is an accelerated motion.
(d) In a uniform circular motion, the speed continuously changes because the direction of the motion changes.
(e) A boy experiences a centrifugal force on his hand when he rotates a piece of stone tied at one end of a string, holding the other end in the hand.