STANDARD Physics Elliptical Orbits MCQ Question

Correct Answer: D

In an elliptical orbit, there are two points of interest: D) and the aphelion (Point B)

• Perihelion (Point D): This is the point at which the planet is closest to the sun. According to Kepler's second law, when the planet is at this point, it experiences the greatest gravitational force from the sun, leading to the highest linear speed. The linear speed $v$ can be expressed in terms of the semi-major axis $a$ and the distance $r$ from the sun at perihelion:

$$v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}$$

where $G$ is the gravitational constant and $M$ is the mass of the sun. At perihelion, $r$ is at its minimum, which maximizes $v$.