Kepler's Laws & the Solar System

Front

What does Kepler's 1st Law state about the orbits of planets?

Back

They are elliptical.

Front

Where is the star located in relation to a planet's elliptical orbit?

Back

At one focus of the elliptical orbit.

Front

What is located at the other focus of the Earth's orbit if the Sun is at one focus?

Back

Empty space.

Front

Which planet is the smallest in the solar system?

Back

Mercury.

Front

During which months does the Earth travel fastest in its orbit?

Back

December through January.

Front

What is Kepler's 2nd Law also known as?

Back

The Law of Equal Areas.

Front

What does Kepler's 2nd Law state about a planet's speed in its orbit?

Back

A planet moves faster when it is closer to the star.

Front

What is the shape of the orbits described by Kepler's Laws?

Back

Ellipses.

Front

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

Back

The star is located at one focus, while the other focus is empty space.

Front

What is Kepler's 3rd Law?

Back

The square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.