A line between a planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places as it moves along its orbit. Which factor remains constant as this happens?(1 point)
the distance the planet moves along its orbit while it sweeps out the area
the distance the planet moves along its orbit while it sweeps out the area
the time required to sweep out the areas
the time required to sweep out the areas
the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas
the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas
the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas
The distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas remains constant.
The factor that remains constant as the line between the planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places is the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas.
To determine which factor remains constant as the line between a planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places, we need to analyze the concept of equal areas in equal time. This concept is known as Kepler's Second Law of Planetary Motion.
According to Kepler's Second Law, the line between a planet and the sun sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals. This means that the rate at which the planet sweeps out areas along its orbit is constant. Therefore, the correct answer is:
the time required to sweep out the areas
As the planet moves along its orbit, the time it takes to sweep out two equal areas will remain constant. This implies that the planet's speed will vary depending on the distance from the sun but will always adjust to ensure equal areas are swept in equal time intervals.
Hence, the remaining factors mentioned in the question (distance the planet moves along its orbit and the distance from the sun to the planet) may vary, but the time required to sweep out the areas remains constant.