22. Which of the following best describes the relationship between a planet's speed and its distance from the sun according to Kepler's second law?
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1 point
A) A planet's speed increases as its distance from the sun increases.
B) A planet's speed decreases as its distance from the sun increases.
C) A planet's speed remains constant regardless of its distance from the sun.
D) There is no relationship between a planet's speed and its distance from the sun.
B) A planet's speed decreases as its distance from the sun increases.
B) A planet's speed decreases as its distance from the sun increases.
To determine the relationship between a planet's speed and its distance from the sun according to Kepler's second law, we need to understand what the law states. Kepler's second law, also known as the law of equal areas, states that a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal times as it orbits around the sun.
Based on this law, we can conclude that the answer is A) A planet's speed increases as its distance from the sun increases. Here's why:
According to Kepler's second law, as a planet moves closer to the sun during its orbit, it covers a smaller area in a given time. This implies that the planet moves faster when it is closer to the sun. Conversely, when the planet is farther away from the sun, it covers a larger area in the same amount of time, suggesting that it is moving at a slower speed compared to when it is closer to the sun.
Therefore, as a planet's distance from the sun increases, its speed decreases, and as its distance from the sun decreases, its speed increases.