AST.3b Planetary Motion Review

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 the term for the closest point in the Earth's orbit to the Sun?

Back

Perihelion (also known as perigee)

Front

What shape does a circle have in terms of eccentricity?

Back

An eccentricity of zero.

Front

Which planet takes the least amount of time to revolve around the Sun?

Back

Mercury

Front

What is the term for the path a planet travels around the Sun?

Back

Orbit

Front

What shape is Earth's orbit?

Back

Ellipse

Front

What is the term for the average distance between the Earth and the Sun?

Back

Astronomical Unit (AU)

Front

What is the significance of eccentricity in planetary orbits?

Back

Eccentricity measures the deviation of an orbit from a perfect circle.

Front

What is the barycenter in a two-body system?

Back

The barycenter is the center of mass around which two bodies orbit.

Front

What is Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion?

Back

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