Which quantities decrease as the distance between a planet and the Sun increases?

A. tangential speed
B. mass
C. gravitational force
D. area swept out in a day
E. distance traveled in a day

Tangential speed decreases as the distance from the Sun increases.
Mass remains constant regardless of the distance from the Sun.
Gravitational force decreases as the distance from the Sun increases.
Area swept out in a day remains constant regardless of the distance from the Sun.
Distance traveled in a day decreases as the distance from the Sun increases.
The quantities that decrease are tangential speed, gravitational force, and distance traveled in a day. t an g e n t ia l s p ee d , g r a v i t a t i o na l f orce , d i s t an ce t r a v e l e d in a d a y ​

Explanation

Problem Analysis We need to identify which quantities decrease as the distance between a planet and the Sun increases. Let's analyze each option.

Tangential Speed

Tangential speed: According to Kepler's Second Law, planets move faster when closer to the Sun and slower when farther. Thus, tangential speed decreases as distance increases.

Mass

Mass: A planet's mass is constant and independent of its distance from the Sun.

Gravitational Force

Gravitational force: Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between two objects. Therefore, gravitational force decreases as distance increases.

Area Swept Out

Area swept out in a day: Kepler's Second Law also states that a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal times, meaning the area swept out in a day is constant and doesn't depend on the distance.

Distance Traveled

Distance traveled in a day: Since tangential speed decreases as distance increases, the distance traveled in a day also decreases as the distance increases.

Conclusion Therefore, the quantities that decrease as the distance between a planet and the Sun increases are tangential speed, gravitational force, and distance traveled in a day.


Examples
Understanding how quantities change with distance from the Sun is crucial in space exploration. For example, when planning a mission to Mars, engineers must account for the changing gravitational force and orbital speed as the spacecraft moves farther from the Sun. These factors affect the spacecraft's trajectory and fuel consumption, making accurate calculations essential for a successful mission. Similarly, understanding Kepler's laws helps predict the varying speeds of comets as they approach and recede from the Sun, influencing observation strategies and data collection.

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-03

The quantities that decrease as the distance between a planet and the Sun increases are tangential speed, gravitational force, and distance traveled in a day. Mass and area swept out in a day remain constant regardless of distance. Thus, the correct choices are A, C, and E.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04