Planetary orbits are a great way to see how energy works. They show us that energy can change forms but never really disappears.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Gravitational Potential Energy: When a planet is farthest away from its sun, it has a lot of potential energy. Think of it like a toy on a shelf—up high, it has the chance to fall.
Kinetic Energy: As the planet moves closer to the sun, that potential energy changes into kinetic energy. This makes the planet go faster, just like a toy racing down a slide.
Cycle: The planet keeps switching between potential and kinetic energy. This helps it stay in a stable orbit around the sun.
It’s similar to a roller coaster! When the coaster is high up, it has potential energy. Then, as it zooms down the track, it uses that energy to speed up.
Planetary orbits are a great way to see how energy works. They show us that energy can change forms but never really disappears.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Gravitational Potential Energy: When a planet is farthest away from its sun, it has a lot of potential energy. Think of it like a toy on a shelf—up high, it has the chance to fall.
Kinetic Energy: As the planet moves closer to the sun, that potential energy changes into kinetic energy. This makes the planet go faster, just like a toy racing down a slide.
Cycle: The planet keeps switching between potential and kinetic energy. This helps it stay in a stable orbit around the sun.
It’s similar to a roller coaster! When the coaster is high up, it has potential energy. Then, as it zooms down the track, it uses that energy to speed up.