Which of these correctly describes the energy of a planet orbiting the Sun?

APlanets near the Sun have a large potential energy and a small kinetic energy.
BPlanets near the Sun have a small potential energy and a large kinetic energy.
CPlanets near the Sun have a small potential energy and a small kinetic energy.
DPlanets near the Sun have a large potential energy and a large kinetic energy.

Planets near the Sun have small potential energy due to their position in the Sun's gravitational field, and they have a large kinetic energy because they move at high orbital speeds. The correct statement is that these planets possess a small potential energy and a large kinetic energy. An example would be Mercury, which orbits quickly with low potential energy.

Explanation:

Energy of a Planet Orbiting the Sun

When considering the energy of a planet in orbit around the Sun, it's essential to understand the concepts of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.

Planets closer to the Sun experience a stronger gravitational pull, which affects their potential energy. As a result, planets near the Sun have a small potential energy due to being at a lower position in the gravitational field relative to the Sun. Consequently, they have a larger velocity to maintain their orbital path, which translates to a larger kinetic energy.

Thus, the correct description is: Planets near the Sun have a small potential energy and a large kinetic energy. For example, Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, moves at a high orbital speed while having less potential energy compared to planets farther away like Neptune.

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