Velocity of the comet increases as it comes near the planets

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    Comet Planets Velocity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons for the increase in velocity of a comet as it approaches planets, touching on gravitational interactions, conservation of energy, and Kepler's laws. The scope includes theoretical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to celestial mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the comet accelerates due to the sun's gravity.
  • Another participant explains that the interaction with a planet's gravitational field increases as the comet approaches, leading to greater acceleration and velocity.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the conservation of energy, stating that an object gains velocity as it descends into a gravitational well, comparing it to a ball gaining speed when dropped.
  • One participant references Kepler's law, noting that as a comet approaches the sun, its distance decreases, necessitating an increase in speed to maintain the constant area swept per unit time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the mechanisms behind the increase in velocity, with no consensus reached on a single explanation.

Contextual Notes

Some explanations depend on specific interpretations of gravitational interactions and conservation laws, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion does not resolve the nuances of these concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in celestial mechanics, gravitational physics, or the dynamics of comets and other celestial bodies may find this discussion relevant.

lakshmi
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why does the velocity of the comet increases as it comes near the planets
 
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It is accelerating due to the sun's gravity.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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