A comet is observed to pass 1.50 × 10⁸ m from the surface of the Sun. The Sun's radius is 6.96 × 10⁸ m. What is the speed of the comet at this point, if its speed when passing the Earth's orbit, 1.50 × 10¹¹ m from the Sun's center, is 25 km/s? (M_S = 1.989 × 10³⁰ kg.) A) 559 km/s B) 618 km/s C) 562 km/s D) 585 km/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the conservation of energy, the speed of the comet can be calculated. The potential energy and kinetic energy at the Earth's orbit and at the closest approach to the Sun are equated. Solving for the speed at the closest approach gives approximately 559 km/s.

A Comet Is Observed to Pass 1