Choose the incorrect statement about satellite/planet motion:

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Circular-orbit speed is constant, so A is true. Total mechanical energy in a fixed gravitational field is conserved in an elliptical orbit, so B is true. Step 2: Earth also movₑ toward a falling body, but for ordinary bodies its displacement is negligibly small because Mₑ≫m; C is accepted as true in this context. Step 3: In an elliptical orbit the planet speeds up near perihelion and slows near aphelion, so linear speed is not constant. Therefore D is the incorrect statement.