Question

Which quantities decrease as the distance between a planet and the sun increase

Answer 1

Explanation:

As the distance between a planet and the sun increase, the following quantities will decrease.

1. The gravitational force is given by :

$F=G\dfrac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$

As the distance between a planet and the sun increase, the gravitational force decrease.

2. As the distance between a planet and the sun increase, it result in the decrease in its speed. Due to decrease in gravitational force, centripetal force acting on the planet should decrease. Since,

$F_c=\dfrac{mv^2}{r}$

v is the tangential speed

So, the tangential speed must decrease.

3. The distance traveled in a day should decrease.

Hence, this is the required solution.