select the correct answer. which statement describes the speed of a planet traveling in an elliptical orbit…

select the correct answer. which statement describes the speed of a planet traveling in an elliptical orbit around the sun? a. the speed is constant. b. the speed varies, but not with respect to its distance from the sun. c. the speed is slowest when it is farthest away from the sun. d. the speed varies.

select the correct answer. which statement describes the speed of a planet traveling in an elliptical orbit around the sun? a. the speed is constant. b. the speed varies, but not with respect to its distance from the sun. c. the speed is slowest when it is farthest away from the sun. d. the speed varies.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

According to Kepler's second - law (law of equal areas), a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals as it moves along its elliptical orbit around the Sun. This implies that the speed of the planet varies. When the planet is closer to the Sun (perihelion), it moves faster, and when it is farther from the Sun (aphelion), it moves slower.

Answer:

C. The speed is slowest when it is farthest away from the Sun.