Kepler's First Law of Planetary motion

Front

What is Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion?

Back

Planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus.

Front

What shape do planets orbit the Sun in?

Back

Ellipse.

Front

What is the term for the distance between the foci of an ellipse?

Back

Eccentricity.

Front

What is the point called where a planet is closest to the Sun?

Back

Perihelion.

Front

What is the point called where a planet is farthest from the Sun?

Back

Aphelion.

Front

What is the semi-major axis of an ellipse?

Back

Half of the longest diameter of the ellipse.

Front

How does increasing the distance between an ellipse’s foci affect its shape?

Back

Increases eccentricity.

Front

What is the relationship between eccentricity and the shape of an ellipse?

Back

Higher eccentricity means a more elongated ellipse.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the eccentricity of an ellipse?

Back

Eccentricity (e) = distance between foci / length of the major axis.

Front

What does a circular orbit imply about eccentricity?

Back

Eccentricity is 0.