Question

what is keplers second law? (1 point)
the area swept by the radius vector for a planet must be equivalent for equal time intervals.
planets orbit the sun in elliptical orbits due to gravity.
the length of the radius vector for a planet must be the same for equal time intervals.
when the planet gets closer to the sun it will speed up and therefore the area swept by the radius vector must increase.

Explanation:

Kepler's Second Law, also known as the Law of Areas, states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This means the area swept by the radius vector (the line from the Sun to the planet) is equivalent for equal time intervals.

• The option "Planets orbit the Sun in elliptical orbits due to gravity" is Kepler's First Law.
• The option "The length of the radius vector for a planet must be the same for equal time intervals" is incorrect as the radius vector length changes (planet - Sun distance varies in an elliptical orbit).
• The option "When the planet gets closer to the Sun it will speed up and therefore the area swept by the radius vector must increase" is wrong because the area swept remains equal for equal time intervals (speed increase compensates for shorter radius vector to keep area equal).

Answer:

The area swept by the radius vector for a planet must be equivalent for equal time intervals.