SpU5 Kepler's Laws Content Flashcard

Front

What is Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion?

Back

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

Front

What is the definition of aphelion?

Back

The point in a planet's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun.

Front

What is the definition of perihelion?

Back

The point in a planet's orbit where it is closest to the Sun.

Front

What shape do planets' orbits take according to Kepler's laws?

Back

Ellipses.

Front

What does Kepler's Second Law state about a planet's speed in its orbit?

Back

A line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.

Front

When is a planet moving the fastest in its orbit?

Back

When it is closest to the Sun (at perihelion).

Front

When is a planet moving the slowest in its orbit?

Back

When it is farthest from the Sun (at aphelion).

Front

What is the focus of an ellipse in the context of planetary orbits?

Back

One of the two fixed points in an ellipse, where the Sun is located at one focus.

Front

What is the significance of the area swept out by a planet in its orbit?

Back

It indicates that a planet moves faster when closer to the Sun and slower when farther away.

Front

What is the relationship between the distance of a planet from the Sun and its orbital speed?

Back

The farther a planet is from the Sun, the slower it moves in its orbit.