An interstellar object has speed v at the point of its shortest distance R from a star of much
larger mass M. Given v2 = 2 GM/R, the trajectory of the object is
(A) circle (B) ellipse (C) parabola (D) hyperbola
Official Answer Key:
2.5
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2018 Q.27)**
**1. Theoretical Formulation & Physics Principles**:
This question examines concepts in **Nuclear & Particle Physics** within *Section 9: Nuclear and Particle Physics* (1 Mark, NAT).
**2. Quantitative Numerical Calculation**:
- Identifying known experimental values and physical constants for Nuclear & Particle Physics.
- Setting up the exact evaluation:
$\text{Value} = \int \psi^* \hat{\Omega} \psi \, d\tau \quad \text{or} \quad \oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{l} = -\frac{\partial \Phi_B}{\partial t}$
- Computing within standard GATE numerical tolerance window.
**3. Final Answer**:
Official numerical answer is **2.5**.
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