Planetary Motions

An Earth satellite in an elliptical orbit travels fastest when it is

• nearest Earth.
• farthest from Earth.
• everywhere along its orbit.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Consider a moon that orbits one of our most distant planets in an elliptical path. The distance that the moon covers each day is

• greatest when closest to the planet.
• greatest when farthest from the planet.
• the same everywhere.
• need more information 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

An Earth satellite in an elliptical orbit has its smallest speed

• closest to Earth
• when getting farther from Earth.
• when farthest from Earth.
• need more information

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

The orbital path of a satellite has two focal points. When both focal points are together 

• the satellite path is an ellipse.
• the satellite path is a circle.
• satellites lose speed.

According to Kepler, the paths of planets about the Sun are

• parabolas.
• circles.
• straight lines.
• ellipses

Which law of Kepler's states that a planet farther away from the sun travels the same amount of time as when it is closer to the sun (even though the speed is slower farther away than when closer to the sun) due to equal areas?

• 1st
• 2nd
• 3rd

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Knowing how long a planet takes to orbit the sun, helps scientists determine the distance that planet is from the sun.  Is this Kepler's 1st, 2nd or 3rd Law?  

• 1st
• 2nd
• 3rd

Planets revolve around the sun in an elliptical orbit relates to which of Kepler's laws?  

• 1st
• 2nd
• 3rd

Planets orbit the Sun in a shape called a(n)

• circle
• ellipse
• focus
• perihelion

An ellipse is drawn around two points called

• aphelion
• perihelion
• foci
• axis