Question

according to kepler’s second law, when is a planet moving fastest in its orbit? (1 point)
∘ when it is closest to the sun (perihelion)
∘ planet speed remains constant throughout the orbit
∘ when it crosses earth’s orbital path
∘ when it is farthest from the sun (aphelion)

Explanation:

Kepler's Second Law (Law of Equal Areas) states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This implies that a planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun (perihelion) because it needs to cover more arc length in the same time to sweep equal areas, and slower when farther (aphelion). The option "Planet speed remains constant" is incorrect as orbital speed varies. Crossing Earth’s orbital path doesn’t relate to the planet’s maximum speed based on Kepler’s Second Law.

Answer:

A. When it is closest to the sun (perihelion)