A comet speeds up as it approaches the Sun. Which statement about its kinetic energy is correct?(1 point) Responses The comet’s kinetic energy stays the same. The comet’s kinetic energy stays the same. The comet’s kinetic energy increases. The comet’s kinetic energy increases. The comet’s kinetic energy decreases. The comet’s kinetic energy decreases. The comet has no kinetic energy because it is in outer space.
The correct statement is: The comet's kinetic energy increases.
the gravitational pull on the planet is toward the sun.
The motion is toward the sun.
Therefore gravity is doing work on the planet, increasing its kinetic energy.
Based on the information provided, it is correct to say that gravity is doing work on the planet as it moves towards the sun. As a result, the planet's kinetic energy increases.
The correct statement is: "The comet's kinetic energy increases."
To understand why the comet's kinetic energy increases as it approaches the Sun, we need to consider the factors that affect kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on two variables: mass and velocity. The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = (1/2) mv^2, where KE represents kinetic energy, m represents mass, and v represents velocity.
In the case of the comet, as it gets closer to the Sun, the gravitational pull from the Sun becomes stronger. This gravitational force accelerates the comet, which means its velocity increases. Since velocity is squared in the kinetic energy formula, even a relatively small increase in velocity can result in a significant increase in kinetic energy.
Therefore, as the comet speeds up while approaching the Sun, its kinetic energy increases.