According to Kepler's Second Law, a planet travels faster at which point in its orbit?

Explore the depths of the solar system with the Science Olympiad test. Access flashcards, extensive multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation today!

Kepler's Second Law, often referred to as the Law of Areas, states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This implies that a planet moves faster in its orbit when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is farther away.

At perihelion, which is the point in a planet's orbit where it is closest to the Sun, the gravitational pull from the Sun is stronger, resulting in a higher orbital speed. As a planet approaches perihelion, it accelerates due to this gravitational force, allowing it to cover a larger distance in a shorter time frame, in accordance with Kepler’s law.

The other points mentioned, aphelion, equinox, and zenith, do not relate to the concept of a planet’s speed in relation to its proximity to the Sun. Aphelion refers to the point in the orbit where the planet is furthest from the Sun, resulting in a slower speed. Equinox is related to the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun and seasonal changes, while zenith refers to the point directly above an observer, which is unrelated to orbital mechanics. Thus, the understanding of orbital dynamics through Kepler

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy