Six original Cambridge-style questions on elliptical orbits: where a comet is fastest, the energy swap, and conservation of energy.
Describe the shape of a comet's orbit and state where the Sun is in it.
State where in its orbit a comet moves fastest, and where it moves slowest.
As a comet moves away from the Sun, describe what happens to its kinetic energy, its gravitational potential energy, and its total energy.
Explain, using energy, why a comet speeds up as it approaches the Sun.
At which point in its orbit does a comet have the greatest kinetic energy, and at which point the greatest gravitational potential energy?
A student says the comet must be gaining energy from somewhere to speed up near the Sun. Explain why this is not correct.
Mark this once you have attempted all six and checked your working. It records a Practiced badge on the topic and adds a one-time bonus. Revealing the solutions alone does not count.