SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -The point of nearest approach of the planet to the Sun is termed perihelion. The point of greatest separation is aphelion, hence by Kepler’s Second Law, a planet is moving fastest when it is at perihelion and slowest at aphelion.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Law of Equal Areas The speed at which any planet moves through space is constantly changing. A planet moves fastest when it is closest to the sun and slowest when it is furthest from the sun.

Detailed explanation-3: -A planet moves slower when it is farther from the Sun because its angular momentum does not change. For a circular orbit, the angular momentum is equal to the mass of the planet (m) times the distance of the planet from the Sun (d) times the velocity of the planet (v).

Detailed explanation-4: -Objects move fastest at perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) and slowest at aphelion (furthest distance from the Sun).

Detailed explanation-5: -The closer a planet is to the Sun, the less time it takes for it to go around the Sun. It takes less time because the length of the orbit is shorter (a smaller orbit), but it also moves faster in its orbit. Thanks to gravity, it has to move faster in its orbit to stay in orbit!