Kepler's second law tells us that planets sweep out equal areas in equal times. If you compare the amount of area per time swept by Earth with the one of Jupiter, you would conclude:
A) They sweep the same area per time.
B) They sweep different areas per time.
C) Jupiter sweeps a larger area per time because it has much more mass than Earth.
D) Earth sweeps a larger area per time because it has much less mass than Jupiter.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kepler's second law states that planets sweep out equal areas in equal times. However, the size of the area swept out depends on the speed of the planet and its distance from the sun. Jupiter, being farther from the sun than Earth, moves at a slower velocity, and therefore, it sweeps out a larger area. Thus, Jupiter and Earth sweep different areas per time.

Kepler's Second Law Tells Us That Planets Sweep Out Equal