In: Physics
Q10. Assume that the Earth is orbiting the sun in a perfectly circular orbit. If the Earth is hit by a huge meteorite but its orbiting angular momentum is not changed (this can be the case if the hit is along the radial direction of the orbit), what would be the change in Earth’s orbit?
A. No change
B. Earth would move in a circular orbit with a larger radius
C. Earth would move in a circular orbit with a smaller radius
D. Earth’s orbit would not change, but its period is lengthened
E. Earth’s orbit would become elliptical