What is the relationship between a planet's orbital velocity and its distance from the sun?
A). The greater the distance, the faster the velocity.
B). When distance increases, orbital velocity decreases
C). When distance decreases, orbital velocity decreases
D). Distance has no effect on orbital velocity.
C). When distance decreases, orbital velocity decreases
B. When distance increases, orbital velocity decreases.
The relationship between a planet's orbital velocity and its distance from the sun can be understood by considering Kepler's laws of planetary motion. According to Kepler's second law, known as the law of equal areas, a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals as it moves around its elliptical orbit. From this law, we can deduce the relationship between orbital velocity and distance from the sun.
To get the answer to this question, we need to understand that the orbital velocity of a planet is influenced by the gravitational pull of the sun. The greater the distance from the sun, the weaker the gravitational force acting on the planet. Therefore, the answer is B) When distance increases, orbital velocity decreases.
To explain how this relationship works, imagine a planet at a shorter distance from the sun. Because of the stronger gravitational force, the planet needs to move at a higher velocity to counterbalance the gravitational pull and maintain its orbit. On the other hand, if the planet is at a greater distance, the gravitational force is weaker, and the planet doesn't need to move as fast to maintain its orbit.
In summary, the relationship between a planet's orbital velocity and its distance from the sun is such that when the distance increases, the orbital velocity decreases.