Question

A comet speeds up as it approaches the Sun. Which statement about its kinetic energy is correct?(1 point)
Responses

The comet’s kinetic energy decreases.
The comet’s kinetic energy decreases.

The comet’s kinetic energy stays the same.
The comet’s kinetic energy stays the same.

The comet has no kinetic energy because it is in outer space.
The comet has no kinetic energy because it is in outer space.

The comet’s kinetic energy increases.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The correct statement is:

**The comet’s kinetic energy increases.**

As the comet approaches the Sun, it is drawn in by the Sun's gravitational pull, causing it to speed up. Kinetic energy is given by the equation \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. As the velocity increases, the kinetic energy also increases.