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

Question

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

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

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

The comet’s kinetic energy increases.

As the comet approaches the Sun, it is pulled in by the Sun's gravitational force, which causes it to speed up. Since kinetic energy is related to the speed of an object (given by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \)), an increase in speed results in an increase in kinetic energy.