What is the physical reason as to why orbiting objects move slower in aphelion?

Question

a
During aphelion, the object runs into friction with the space dust and gas that it moves through
b
During aphelion, the object is farthest away from the Sun, thus it experiences a lesser force of gravity
c
During aphelion, the object slows down due to gravitational pull from other objects closer than the Sun
d
During aphelion, the object is closer to the galactic center and thus is pulled away to prevent the increasing speed of the orbit

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

b During aphelion, the object is farthest away from the Sun, thus it experiences a lesser force of gravity.

This is based on Kepler's laws of planetary motion, specifically his second law, which indicates that a planet moves faster in its orbit when it is closer to the Sun (perihelion) and slower when it is furthest away from the Sun (aphelion). The gravitational force exerted by the Sun decreases with distance, resulting in reduced acceleration and speed at aphelion.