 Solution

For motion in a central potential, conservation of angular momentum gives $L=m{r}^2\dot{\theta }$. In polar coordinates, the conserved mechanical energy isConsequently, for $L\ne 0$,The sign in $\dot{r}$ distinguishes inward and outward motion. Choosing the orientation so $L>0$, it is also the sign of $dr/d\theta$. The expression under the square root must be nonnegative. If $L=0$, the motion is radial and $\theta$ is constant, so $r$ cannot be parametrized by $\theta$ this way.