Question

A nearly Earth sized planet obits in the habitable zone of Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the solar system. If the orbit is elliptical use either conservation of mechanical energy or conservation of angular momentum to show where in the orbit the planet’s highest and lowest angular velocity occurs. Be sure to show how the rule you choose actually applies to this situation.

Answer 1

The angular velocity of planet will be maximum when it will be nearest(Perihelion point) to Proxima Centauri and minimum when planet is farthest(aphelion point) from star.Because according to kepler second law,A line that connects a planet to the sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times.So, when planet is near to star and to cover equal area it must move fast as compared to when planet is far