Question

Planet X is in a stable circular orbit around a star, as shown in the figure. Which of the following graphs best predicts the angular momentum of the planet as a function of its horizontal position from point A to point B if the planet is moving counterclockwise as viewed in the figure?

Answer 1

Answer:

C

Explanation:

Angular momentum is the product of moment of inertia and angular velocity.

L = I × ω

Since the planet follows a stable circular orbit, I and ω are constant and non-zero.  Therefore, the angular momentum is constant and non-zero.

Answer 2

The angular momentum of Planet X will be constant and non - zero, which will form a graph will a straight line. Hence, graph (C) is correct.

What is Angular Momentum?

The angular momentum is defined as the product of an object's moment of inertia and the angular velocity.

Given data:

Planet X is in a stable circular orbit around the star.

• The standard expression for the angular momentum of the planet X is given as,

       $L = I \times \omega$

       Here, I is the moment of inertia of the Planet X.

      And  $\omega$  is its angular velocity.

• Since the planet follows a stable circular orbit, for which the moment of inertia I and the angular velocity ω are constant and non-zero.  Therefore, the angular momentum is constant and non-zero. This will form a graph with straight line.

Thus, we can conclude that the angular momentum of Planet X will be constant and non - zero, which will form a graph will a straight line. Hence, graph (C) is correct.

Learn more about the angular momentum here:

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