Consider the elliptical orbit of a comet around the Sun. Where in its orbit does it have the largest amount of total orbital energy?
A)when it is closest to the Sun
B)when it is farthest from the Sun
C)It always has the same total orbital energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total orbital energy (the sum of kinetic and potential energy) of a comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun remains constant throughout its orbit. This is a consequence of the conservation of energy in a closed system, where the Sun's gravitational field is the dominant force.

Consider the Elliptical Orbit of a Comet Around the Sun