Question Details

Angular momentum of a planet of mass m orbiting around sun is J, areal velocity of its radius vector will be

Options

A

mJ/2

B

J/2m

C

m/2J

D

1/2mJ

Correct Answer :

J/2m

Solution :

The correct option is J/2m.

Here is the detailed step-by-step derivation to find the areal velocity of the planet:

1. Understanding Areal Velocity
Areal velocity is the rate at which area is swept out by the radius vector of a planet orbiting the sun. Let the planet of mass m be at a position vector r relative to the sun. In an infinitesimally small time interval dt, the planet moves by a small displacement vector dr.

The area dA of the triangular region swept out by the radius vector during this time interval is given by the cross product of the vectors:
d A = 1 2 | r × d r |

To find the rate of area swept per unit time (areal velocity), we divide both sides by dt:
d A d t = 1 2 | r × d r d t |

Since the rate of change of displacement is velocity (v=drdt), we get:
d A d t = 1 2 | r × v |

2. Expressing in Terms of Angular Momentum
The angular momentum J of the planet orbiting the sun is defined as:
J = r × p

where p=mv is the linear momentum of the planet. Substituting this in, we obtain:
J = r × ( m v ) = m ( r × v )

Taking the magnitude on both sides gives:
J = m | r × v |

Rearranging the equation to solve for the magnitude of the cross product:
| r × v | = J m

3. Final Substitution
Now, substitute this relation back into our expression for areal velocity:
d A d t = 1 2 ( J m ) = J 2 m

Thus, the areal velocity of the planet's radius vector is J2m.

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