A line between a planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places as it moves along its orbit. Which factor remains constant as this happens?(1 point)

Question

Responses

the time the planet takes to sweep out the areas
the time the planet takes to sweep out the areas

the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas
the distance from the sun to the planet while it sweeps out the areas

the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas
the planet’s speed as it sweeps out the areas

the energy required to sweep out the areas

Answer 1

The factor that remains constant as a planet sweeps out equal areas in its orbit around the Sun is:

the time the planet takes to sweep out the areas.

This is a reflection of 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.