Orbits and eccentricity

Front

What does Earth orbit?

Back

the sun

Front

What shape do planets orbit the Sun in?

Back

ellipse

Front

What is eccentricity in relation to orbits?

Back

Eccentricity is a measure of how much an orbit deviates from being circular. It ranges from 0 (circle) to 1 (parabola).

Front

What happens to the eccentricity of an orbit if the distance between the foci increases?

Back

The eccentricity increases.

Front

What is the eccentricity of a perfect circle?

Back

0

Front

What is the focus in an elliptical orbit?

Back

A focus is one of the two fixed points in an ellipse around which the orbiting body moves.

Front

What is the relationship between orbital velocity and eccentricity?

Back

A constant increase in orbital velocity can lead to a more circular orbit, while a decrease can increase eccentricity.

Front

What is perihelion?

Back

Perihelion is the point in the orbit of a planet where it is closest to the Sun.

Front

What is aphelion?

Back

Aphelion is the point in the orbit of a planet where it is farthest from the Sun.

Front

How does gravitational attraction vary in an elliptical orbit?

Back

Gravitational attraction is stronger when the orbiting body is closer to the Sun and weaker when it is farther away.