The Earth’s orbit around the Sun is slightly elliptical. At Earth's closest approach to the Sun (perihelion) the orbital radius is 1.471×10^11m, and at its farthest distance (aphelion) the orbital radius is 1.521×10^11m.
a. Find the difference in gravitational potential energy between when the Earth is at its aphelion and perihelion radii.
b. If the orbital speed of the Earth is 29,290 m/s at aphelion, what is its orbital speed at perihelion?