the image shows earths orbit around the sun. which describes the changes in earths motion? the speed…

the image shows earths orbit around the sun. which describes the changes in earths motion? the speed increases from w to x because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction opposite to the velocity. the speed increases from w to x because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity. the speed increases from x to w because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction opposite to the velocity. the speed increases from x to w because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity.

the image shows earths orbit around the sun. which describes the changes in earths motion? the speed increases from w to x because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction opposite to the velocity. the speed increases from w to x because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity. the speed increases from x to w because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction opposite to the velocity. the speed increases from x to w because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Kepler's second law

Kepler's second - law (law of equal areas) is related to the speed of a planet in its orbit. A planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is farther away. Also, the gravitational force between the Sun and the Earth provides the centripetal force for the Earth's motion. When a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity, the speed of the Earth increases, and when it acts opposite to the velocity, the speed decreases.

Step2: Analyze the positions

In an elliptical orbit, the Earth is closer to the Sun at one end (perihelion) and farther at the other (aphelion). From W to X, the Earth is moving from a farther point to a closer point to the Sun. The gravitational force of the Sun on the Earth has a component in the direction of the Earth's velocity, which causes the speed to increase.

Answer:

The speed increases from W to X because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity.