Question 5: For a planet in an elliptical orbit to "sweep out equal areas in equal amounts of it", it must ... a) move slowest when near the Sun. b) move fastest when near the Sun. c) move at the same speed at all times. d) have a perfectly circular orbit.

Question

Geography

Kyson Burns

5 August, 20:40

Question 5: For a planet in an elliptical orbit to "sweep out equal areas in equal amounts of it", it must ... a) move slowest when near the Sun. b) move fastest when near the Sun. c) move at the same speed at all times. d) have a perfectly circular orbit.

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Answers (1)

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Sydney Wells · Answer 1

Option (B)

Explanation:

According to the Kepler's 2nd law regarding the planetary motion, as the planets moves in an elliptical path, orbiting around the sun, and the line joining both the sun and planet forms an equal amount of area in equal amount of time. This equal area in equal time is maintained by the faster speed of the planet near the sun (Perihelion) and slower speed of the planet at a distance away from the sun (Aphelion).

Thus, the correct answer is option (B).