Velocity of the comet increases as it comes near the planets

In summary, the velocity of the comet increases as it comes near the planets due to the acceleration caused by the sun's gravity and the conservation of energy. This is similar to the reason why a ball gains velocity when dropped downwards. Additionally, according to Kepler's law, the area swept by any celestial body revolving around the sun per unit time is constant, so as the comet approaches the sun, its distance decreases and its speed increases to maintain this condition.
  • #1
lakshmi
36
0
why does the velocity of the comet increases as it comes near the planets
 
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  • #2
It is accelerating due to the sun's gravity.
 
  • #3
Hello, lakshmi!
The question is that anything putted around the planet(that is, in region where the planet's field acts) suffers an interaction due to planet's field. This interaction is proportional to inverse of square of the distance between them. So, when this something is approaching to the planet, the interaction is increasing, consequently, its acceleration too, consequently, its velocity too.
 
  • #4
lakshmi said:
why does the velocity of the comet increases as it comes near the planets

Because of the conservation of energy, any object must gain velocity as it "drops" down a gravity well. It's not that much different than the reason a ball gains velocity if you drop and/or throw it downwards.
 
  • #5
According to Keppler's law the area swept by any celestial body revolving around sun per unit time s constant. When a comet aprochs near to the sun its distance fromit decreases and to fulfill the condition its speed increases.
 

1. What is the significance of the velocity of a comet increasing as it comes near planets?

The velocity of a comet plays an important role in its trajectory and orbit around the sun. As it comes near planets, the gravitational pull of the planets can affect the comet's speed, causing it to increase or decrease.

2. How does the velocity of a comet change as it approaches different planets?

The velocity of a comet can change in different ways as it approaches different planets. If the comet is approaching a planet head-on, it will experience a significant increase in velocity due to the planet's strong gravitational pull. However, if the comet is approaching at an angle, the change in velocity may be more subtle.

3. What factors determine the change in velocity of a comet as it nears a planet?

The change in velocity of a comet as it nears a planet is primarily determined by the mass and distance of the planet. The closer the comet gets to the planet, the stronger the gravitational pull and the greater the change in velocity. Other factors that may play a role include the composition and speed of the comet.

4. Can the velocity of a comet change after it passes a planet?

Yes, the velocity of a comet can continue to change even after it passes a planet. This is because the gravitational pull of the planet can alter the comet's trajectory, causing it to speed up or slow down as it moves away from the planet.

5. How do scientists measure the velocity of a comet as it nears planets?

Scientists use various methods to measure the velocity of a comet as it nears planets. One common method is through radar observations, which can track the comet's position and speed relative to the planet. Another method is through spectroscopy, which can measure the change in the comet's light spectrum as it approaches a planet, indicating changes in velocity.

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