Do planets have a linear acceleration???

Question

I know it sounds crazy....but in elliptical orbits, in order for the angular momentum to be conserved...at different points of the ellipse...when 'r'(distance from sun) increases, the linear velocity decreases....and we all know that a change in linear velocity is a linear acceleration!
so....where am i wrong????????

Answer 1

Yes!!!

Answer 2

Hello khan, acceleration is the physical quantity which produces a change in the velocity. Velocity is a vector quantity which has both magnitude and direction. So acceleration may bring the change in velocity either by making a change either in magnitude or in direction or in both. In case of linear acceleration, change will be only in case of magnitude and not in direction. Hence linear acceleration. In the same straight line ie direction. But centripetal acceleration brings change especially in direction and not in magnitude of velocity of the particle. Hence by centripetal acceleration, particle moves along a curved path instead straight path. Centrifugal acceleration is exactly equal in magnitude but in opposite direction to the centripetal acceleration. Centripetal is centre seeking and hence towards the centre Centrifugal is away from the centre. Centripetal is necessary one and centrifugal is due to the directional inertia.

Answer 3

I think you are correct!!! If any body has angular velocty then it should have linear velocty also as v=r. w (omega) i.e.
Linear velocty = radius (distance) X angular acceleration. You should remember that for the conservation of angular momentum, the torque must be constant.Because L=I.W i.e
Angular momentum = Moment of Inertia X Angular velocty.

Answer 4

of caurse not may be the angel to the referance is changed thats all