Which of the following is TRUE about a comet that is on an elliptical orbit around the Sun?
A) The comet's speed is greatest when it is farthest from the Sun.
B) The comet's speed is greatest when it is nearest the Sun.
C) This comet's speed is zero.
D) The comet's speed is constant because its mass and the Sun's mass stay approximately the same.
E) The eccentricity is very low.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Kepler's laws of motion, a planet or comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun will move fastest when it is at the closest point to the Sun (perihelion) and slowest when it is at the farthest point from the Sun (aphelion). Therefore, the comet's speed is greatest when it is nearest the Sun.

Which of the Following Is TRUE About a Comet That