Question

An asteroid moves in an elliptic orbit with the Sun at one focus as shown. Which of the following quantities increases as the asteroid moves from point P in its orbit to point Q? 

(A) Speed 

(B) Angular momentum 

(C) Total energy 

(D) Kinetic energy 

(E) Potential energy

Answer 1

Correct option (E) Potential energy   

As a satellite moves farther away, it slows down, also decreasing its angular momentum and kinetic energy. The total energy remains the same in the absence of resistive or thrust forces. The potential energy becomes less negative, which is an increase.