Elliptical Orbits and Kepler's Laws

Front

What is the range of eccentricity for an object in orbit?

Back

0-1

Front

Why does Earth travel fastest in January and slowest in July?

Back

Earth is nearest the Sun in January and farthest away in July.

Front

When do planets move the fastest in their orbits?

Back

Close to the sun.

Front

What shape do planets orbit the Sun in?

Back

Ellipse.

Front

What are the two points around which an ellipse is drawn called?

Back

Foci.

Front

What is the term for the point in an orbit where the object is closest to the Sun?

Back

Perihelion.

Front

What is the term for the point in an orbit where the object is farthest from the Sun?

Back

Aphelion.

Front

According to Kepler's First Law, what shape do the orbits of planets take?

Back

Ellipses.

Front

What does Kepler's Second Law state about the speed of planets in their orbits?

Back

Planets sweep out equal areas in equal times.

Front

What is the significance of the foci in an elliptical orbit?

Back

They are the two fixed points that define the shape of the ellipse.