Which of the diagrams shown in the figure most closely shows the variation in kinetic energy of the earth as it moves once around the sun in its elliptical orbit?
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2. |  |
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4. |  |
Step: Identify the figure that shows the variation in kinetic energy of the Earth.
As the Earth moves in its elliptical orbit around the Sun, its speed and kinetic energy vary. When the Earth is closest to the Sun (at perihelion), its speed is at its maximum, and so is its kinetic energy. When the Earth is farthest from the Sun (at aphelion), its speed is at its minimum, resulting in the lowest kinetic energy. However, the kinetic energy never becomes zero or negative.
Therefore, the correct variation of the kinetic energy with time is shown in the figure below;
Hence, option (4) is the correct answer.
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