Q23. The Earth moves faster in its or... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 5: Q23. (page 131)

The Earth moves faster in its orbit around the Sun in January than in July. Is the Earth closer to the Sun in January, or in July? Explain. [Note. This is not much of a factor in producing the seasons鈥攖he main factor is the tilt of the Earth鈥檚 axis relative to the plane of its orbit.]

Short Answer

Expert verified

The Earth is closer to the sun in January.

Step by step solution

Step 1. Understanding the speed of the planet

In this problem, the closeness of the Earth to the Sun can be evaluated by obtaining the speed of the planet in both conditions either nearer to the sun or far away from the Sun.

Step 2. Determining whether the Earth is closer to the Sun in January, or in July

The following is the schematic diagram of the Sun in January and July.

The points 1 and 2 represents the time during January, whereas the points 3 and 4 represents the time during July. It is clearly seen that the Sun is closer to the Earth in the month of January.

It is known that when the planet is nearer to the sun it will move faster. The Earth will be closer to the Sun in the month of January because of the tilt of the Earth鈥檚 axis.