Question

Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu. Complete the passage about orbital eccentricity. Assume that the eccentricity of Earth’s orbit increases from 0.017 to 0.12. The point of aphelion would now be __________. Consequently, the amount of solar energy received on Earth at aphelion would __________.

Option 1: closer, decrease
Option 2: farther, increase
Option 3: closer, increase
Option 4: farther, decrease

Answer 1

An increased orbital eccentricity of Earth from 0.017 to 0.12 results in a farther aphelion and a decrease in solar energy received at this point.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the eccentricity of Earth's orbit increases from 0.017 to 0.12, the point of aphelion would now be farther from the star. Consequently, the amount of solar energy received on Earth at aphelion would decrease. This is because with a higher eccentricity, the Earth's orbit around the Sun becomes more elongated, increasing the maximum distance between the Earth and the Sun during its revolution. When a planet is at aphelion, it is the farthest away from the Sun and thus receives less sunlight and solar energy.

Referring to Kepler's second law, which states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time, this implies that a planet will move faster when it is closer to the Sun (perihelion) and slower when it is farther away (aphelion). As the eccentricity increases, the difference in speeds becomes more pronounced.