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Mobile App Chapter 5: Q23. (page 131)
The Earth moves faster in its orbit around the Sun in January than in July. Is the Earth closer to the Sun in January, or in July? Explain. [Note. This is not much of a factor in producing the seasons—the main factor is the tilt of the Earth’s axis relative to the plane of its orbit.]
Short Answer
The Earth is closer to the sun in January.
Step by step solution
Step 1. Understanding the speed of the planet
In this problem, the closeness of the Earth to the Sun can be evaluated by obtaining the speed of the planet in both conditions either nearer to the sun or far away from the Sun.
Step 2. Determining whether the Earth is closer to the Sun in January, or in July
The following is the schematic diagram of the Sun in January and July.
The points 1 and 2 represents the time during January, whereas the points 3 and 4 represents the time during July. It is clearly seen that the Sun is closer to the Earth in the month of January.
It is known that when the planet is nearer to the sun it will move faster. The Earth will be closer to the Sun in the month of January because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
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