Kepler's Laws

Front

What shape do the orbits of the planets take according to Kepler's first law?

Back

Ellipses.

Front

What is the term for the point in a planet's orbit where it is closest to the Sun?

Back

Perihelion.

Front

Which of Kepler's laws is known as the 'Law of Harmonies'?

Back

The 3rd law.

Front

What geometric shape describes the path of planets as they orbit the Sun?

Back

Ellipse.

Front

What does Kepler's second law state about the areas swept out by a planet in its orbit?

Back

The areas are equal in size over equal time intervals.

Front

What is the significance of the semi-major axis in an ellipse?

Back

It determines the size of the ellipse and the average distance of the planet from the Sun.

Front

How does the speed of a planet change as it moves in its elliptical orbit?

Back

A planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is farther away.

Front

What is the relationship between the orbital period of a planet and its distance from the Sun according to Kepler's third law?

Back

The square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.

Front

What is the term for the point in a planet's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun?

Back

Aphelion.

Front

How did Kepler's laws challenge the previous geocentric model of the universe?

Back

They provided a heliocentric model where planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths.