Translational vs Rotational Equilibrium

[pm1]

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Would it be right to say that orbiting planets are at rotational equilibrium but translational non equilibrium?

Reasoning - rotational equilibrium because frequency of the rotation planet is constant

translational non equilibrium because there is change in velocity.

Is that right?

Thanks!

 

[sps27]

Would it be right to say that orbiting planets are at rotational equilibrium but translational non equilibrium?

Reasoning - rotational equilibrium because frequency of the rotation planet is constant

translational non equilibrium because there is change in velocity.

Is that right?

Thanks!

Neither I think. The orbit is not perfectly circular and keeping Kepplers law in mind, planets are sweeping equal areas in equal amount of time essentially varying their angular velocities to do so, hence there will be an angular acceleration to them. And for translational, you have already mentioned that......but for a perfectly circular orbit I would tend to agree with you......just my 2 cents.....