As described by Kepler's second law, an object in an elliptical orbit reaches its highest velocity when it is as at ____.
A) lowest; perigree
B) highest; apogee
C) highest; perigree
D) lowest; apogee
E) escape velocity; perigree

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kepler's second law, also known as the law of equal areas, states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This means that the planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun (perigee) and slower when it is farther from the Sun (apogee). Therefore, an object in an elliptical orbit reaches its highest velocity at its closest approach to the Sun, which is at perigee.

As Described by Kepler's Second Law, an Object in an Elliptical