Question

1. the law of equal areas states that a planet moves: a) at constant speed everywhere b) faster at aphelion, slower at perihelion c) faster at perihelion, slower at aphelion d) slower when closer to the sun

Explanation:

The Law of Equal Areas (from Kepler's laws) states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This means when a planet is closer to the Sun (at perihelion), it moves faster to sweep the same area as when it's farther (at aphelion, where it moves slower). Option A is wrong as speed isn't constant. Option B has the speed relationship reversed. Option D is wrong because a planet is faster when closer to the Sun. So the correct option is C.

Answer:

C) Faster at perihelion, slower at aphelion