Question

why do planets move faster when they are closer to the sun in their orbit? (hint: kepler’s 2nd law) (1 point) ○ the sun’s gravitational pull is stronger, pulling the planet forward and increasing its speed. ○ the planet gains energy from the sun’s heat, which makes it accelerate. ○ the orbit becomes perfectly circular when the planet is near the sun. ○ the planet’s mass increases as it approaches the sun, causing it to move faster.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: According to Kepler's 2nd law (law of equal areas in equal times) and gravitational principles, the Sun's gravitational pull is stronger when the planet is closer, which can pull the planet forward and increase its speed. This aligns with the concept of orbital mechanics.
• Option 2: Planets do not gain energy from the Sun's heat to accelerate in their orbit. Orbital motion is governed by gravity, not heat - based energy gain for acceleration in this context.
• Option 3: Planetary orbits are elliptical (from Kepler's 1st law), and they don't become perfectly circular near the Sun.
• Option 4: A planet's mass is constant (mass is an intrinsic property) and does not increase as it approaches the Sun.

Answer:

A. The Sun's gravitational pull is stronger, pulling the planet forward and increasing its speed.