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

the distance the planet moves along its orbit while it sweeps out the area
the distance the planet moves along its orbit while it sweeps out the area

the time required to sweep out the areas
the time required to sweep out the areas

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

Answer 1

The correct response is:

the time required to sweep out the areas

This is a consequence of Kepler's Second Law, which states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times. This means that regardless of the distance from the Sun or the speed of the planet at different points in its orbit, the time it takes to sweep out the same area remains constant.