Question

In 1-3 sentences, explain how the shape of planetary orbits affects their orbital velocity. Include the proper law of planetary motion as part of your answer.(4 points)

Answer 1

The shape of planetary orbits, which are elliptical as described by Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion, affects their orbital velocity by causing planets to move faster when they are closer to the Sun and slower when they are further away. This variation in speed is a consequence of the conservation of angular momentum and can be quantified by Kepler's Second Law, which states that a line drawn from a planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times, indicating that a planet's orbital velocity changes as it travels along its elliptical path.