Discovering New Worlds (Planets & Orbits 5E)

Front

What is eccentricity?

Back

A measurement of how elliptical an orbit is.

Front

What is the range of eccentricity for any orbit?

Back

0 to 1.

Front

Calculate the eccentricity for the following orbit: (Example: 0.6)

Back

0.6.

Front

What is the force by which a planet or other body draws objects towards its center called?

Back

Gravity.

Front

A planet moves __________ when it is farthest from the sun.

Back

Slower.

Front

What does a higher eccentricity value indicate about an orbit?

Back

It indicates a more elongated (elliptical) orbit.

Front

What is the shape of a circular orbit in terms of eccentricity?

Back

Eccentricity of 0.

Front

What happens to the speed of a planet as it approaches the sun?

Back

It moves faster.

Front

What is the term for the path that a planet follows around the sun?

Back

Orbit.

Front

What is the gravitational force dependent on?

Back

The mass of the objects and the distance between them.