Why does the speed of a planet decrease as it moves away from the sun?(1 point)
Responses
(A)The planet’s inertia begins to point backward along its orbit.
The planet’s inertia begins to point backward along its orbit.
(B)The planet’s inertia begins to point inward toward the sun.
The planet’s inertia begins to point inward toward the sun.
(c)The direction of the sun’s pull relative to the planet’s motion changes.
The direction of the sun’s pull relative to the planet’s motion changes.
(D)The sun’s gravitational pull on the sun decreases.
(C) The direction of the sun’s pull relative to the planet’s motion changes.
The correct answer is (C) The direction of the sun's pull relative to the planet's motion changes.
The correct answer is (c) The direction of the sun's pull relative to the planet's motion changes.
As a planet moves away from the sun, the direction of the sun's gravitational pull changes. Initially, when the planet is closer to the sun, the pull is more towards the center of the orbit, causing the planet to accelerate. However, as the planet moves further away, the sun's pull starts to become more perpendicular to the direction of the planet's motion. This means that the gravitational force has a more sideways component and less of a forward component, resulting in a decrease in the planet's speed. It is important to note that while the speed may decrease, the planet's inertia will continue to carry it forward, so it will keep moving in its orbit.