Unit 3 - 3.3 Orbital Motion

Front

What is the primary reason that all planets orbit the sun rather than Earth?

Back

The sun has much more mass than Earth.

Front

What is the centripetal force that keeps a planet in orbit around the sun?

Back

Gravity.

Front

Which planet in our solar system has the fastest orbital speed?

Back

Mercury.

Front

Where is a planet moving fastest in its orbit?

Back

Position A to B.

Front

Which planet takes the least amount of time to revolve around the Sun?

Back

Mercury.

Front

Define orbital motion.

Back

The motion of an object in an orbit around a point in space, typically a planet around a star.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravitational force?

Back

The gravitational force increases with mass.

Front

Explain Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion.

Back

Planets move in elliptical orbits with the sun at one focus.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'perihelion'?

Back

The point in the orbit of a planet where it is closest to the sun.

Front

What is 'aphelion'?

Back

The point in the orbit of a planet where it is farthest from the sun.