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)
Responses
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 planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas
the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas
the time required to sweep out the areas
the time required to sweep out the areas
the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas
The correct answer is:
the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas
The correct answer 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 along its orbit, we need to analyze the different options provided.
1. The distance the planet moves along its orbit while it sweeps out the area: This distance would not remain constant because it would vary depending on the position of the planet along its orbit.
2. The planet's speed as it sweeps out the areas: This factor also would not remain constant since the speed of the planet would change as it moves along its elliptical orbit. Specifically, the planet would move faster when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is further away.
3. The time required to sweep out the areas: This factor would remain constant. According to Kepler's Second Law of Planetary Motion, a line connecting a planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals. Therefore, the time required to sweep out the areas would be constant.
4. The distance from the Sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas: This distance would not remain constant since the distance between the planet and the Sun changes as the planet orbits around the Sun.
Considering the analysis above, the only factor that remains constant as the line between a planet and the Sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places along its orbit is the time required to sweep out the areas.