Planetary motion, gravity, and Kepler's Laws

Front

What is the shape of planetary orbits according to Kepler's Laws?

Back

Ellipses.

Front

What happens to the gravitational pull between two objects as the distance between them increases?

Back

The gravitational pull decreases.

Front

What does Kepler’s 3rd Law of Planetary Motion state?

Back

The closer a planet is to the sun, the shorter its orbital period.

Front

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

Back

Perihelion.

Front

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

Back

Aphelion.

Front

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

Back

One of the two points in an ellipse; for planets, one focus is the Sun.

Front

How does the speed of a planet change as it moves closer to the Sun in its orbit?

Back

The planet moves faster as it approaches the Sun.

Front

What is the law that states that planets sweep out equal areas in equal times?

Back

Kepler's 2nd Law of Planetary Motion.

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

The attractive force between two masses.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force increases with mass.