A line between a planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places as it moves along its orbit. Which factor remains constant as this happens? * 1 point the time the planet takes to sweep out the areas the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas the energy required to sweep out the areas
The correct answer is: the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas.
The factor that remains constant as the line between a planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places along its orbit is the planet's speed as it sweeps out the areas.
To determine which factor remains constant as a planet sweeps out two equal areas at different places along its orbit, we need to analyze the concept of conservation of angular momentum.
The angular momentum of a planet moving in its orbit around the sun is given by the product of its moment of inertia, mass, and angular velocity. Mathematically, it can be represented as L = I * m * ω, where L is the angular momentum, I is the moment of inertia, m is the mass, and ω is the angular velocity.
When a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals, it means that its angular velocity remains constant. This is known as Kepler's Second Law, which states that a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals as it moves along its elliptical orbit.
Therefore, the factor that remains constant as the planet sweeps out two equal areas at different places in its orbit is the planet's angular velocity, or the planet's speed as it sweeps out the areas. The correct answer is: the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas.