According to Kepler's laws,a planet moves fastest in its orbit when it is
A)Nearest the Earth in the Earth's orbital plane
B)Nearest the Sun
C)Midway between the foci of its orbit
D)Farthest from the ecliptic

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Kepler's second law, a planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun in its elliptical orbit. This is because the gravitational force between the planet and the Sun is stronger when the planet is closer, resulting in a higher speed. Therefore, choice B, when the planet is nearest the Sun, is the best answer.

According to Kepler's Laws,a Planet Moves Fastest in Its Orbit