Question

Use the simulation to observe the planetary motion for orbits with different size by using the slider below. can you answer which planet seems to move fastest in its orbit

a) The planet with the smallest orbit
b) The planet with the largest orbit
c) All planets move at the same speed regardless of orbit size
d) The planet with a moderate-sized orbit

Answer 1

The planet with the smallest orbit moves the fastest, while the planet with the largest orbit moves the slowest.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Kepler's laws of planetary motion, planets move fastest when they are closest to the central object and slowest when they are farthest away. Therefore, the planet with the smallest orbit would move the fastest. For example, Mercury, which has the shortest orbital period of 88 Earth-days, has the highest orbital speed, averaging 48 kilometers per second. On the other hand, the planet with the largest orbit would move the slowest.