Physics · Kepler's law of planetary motion

As the planet revolves from point to point the velocity of the planet.

As the planet revolves from point \( \mathrm{P} \) to point \( Q, \) the velocity of the planet.

  • A. Increases
  • B. Decreases
  • C. Remains same
  • D. Equal is magnitude and opposite in direction

Step-by-step solution

According to Kepler's second law, a planet sweeps equal areas in equal times, so its orbital speed is greatest at perihelion (closest to the Sun) and least at aphelion (farthest from the Sun). Without a diagram, it is commonly assumed that as a planet moves from a farther point (like aphelion) to a nearer point (like perihelion), its speed increases. Therefore, the velocity (magnitude) of the planet increases.
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