Planetary Motion

Front

What is the point in the earth's orbit where it is farthest from the sun?

Back

Aphelion (also known as apogee)

Front

What is Kepler's 2nd law of planetary motion?

Back

The planets move faster when they are closer to the sun and slower when they are further from the sun.

Front

What does Kepler's 3rd law state?

Back

The farther a planet is from the sun, the slower its orbit. (P² = a³)

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 point in the earth's orbit where it is closest to the sun?

Back

Perihelion (also known as perigee)

Front

What is the significance of the foci in an ellipse?

Back

The foci are the two fixed points that define the shape of the ellipse.

Front

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

Back

The closer a planet is to the sun, the faster it moves in its orbit.

Front

What is the formula for Kepler's 3rd law?

Back

P² = a³, where P is the orbital period and a is the semi-major axis.

Front

What does it mean for an orbit to be elliptical?

Back

An elliptical orbit means that the distance from the sun varies as the planet moves along its path.