The speed of a comet in an elliptical orbit about the sun:
A)decreases while it is receding from the sun
B)is constant
C)is greatest when farthest from the sun
D)varies sinusoidally with time
E)equals L/(mr), where L is its angular momentum, m is its mass, and r is its distance from the sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Kepler's laws of planetary motion, a comet moves faster when it is closer to the sun and slower when it is farther away, so its speed decreases as it recedes from the sun.

The Speed of a Comet in an Elliptical Orbit About