Planets with circular orbits travel at the same speed at all points in their orbits, whereas planets with elliptical orbits change their speeds at different points in their orbits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a circular orbit, the distance from the planet to the star remains constant, so the speed is constant. In an elliptical orbit, the speed changes due to varying distances from the star, following Kepler's laws.

Planets with Circular Orbits Travel at the Same Speed at All