Question

The diagram below shows three parts labeled A, B, and C, of Earth's orbit around the Sun.

Which of these best arranges the parts of the orbit from fastest to slowest speed of Earth in them? (2 points)

C → B → A

A → B → C

B → C → A

A → C → B

Answer 1

Option B, A → B → C

Step-by-step explanation:

The Speed of earth around the sun is not uniform and it is due to the non-circular shape of the orbit on which earth moves around the sun.

As per kepler’s 2nd law of motion, a line between any celestial body moving around the sun will sweep equal area in equal times.

Thus, the area swept as indicated by three highlighted area A, B, and C are equal. Now, since C is the farthest, the area swept under C will be the highest therefore in order to cover same area in the same time, Earth has to move a bit faster when it is close to sun.

Answer 2

A → B → C

Step-by-step explanation:

The farther away the earth is to the sun, in its orbit, the slower it moves. This is due to gravity. The closer to the sun the earth is, the higher the effects of gravity hence it is pulled towards the sun more and it’s acceleration is higher than when it is away from the sun.