Astronomy: Orbital Motion Unit Test

Question

4 of 154 of 15 Items

Question
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)
Responses

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

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

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

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

Answer 1

The factor that remains constant as a line between a planet and the sun sweeps out two equal areas at different places in the planet's orbit is:

the time required to sweep out the areas

This is in accordance with Kepler's Second Law of Planetary Motion, also known as the Law of Equal Areas, which states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.