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If the ratio of the distances of a planet from the sun at perihelion and aphelion is 2 : 3, then the ratio of their respective velocities at the perihelion and aphelion is

  • A.2 : 3
  • B.2 : 5
  • C.3 : 5
  • D.3 : 2
  • E.1 : 1

Answer: D

The ratio of velocities is 3 : 2.

At perihelion and aphelion the velocity is perpendicular to the radius, and angular momentum is conserved (Kepler's second law).

\[ \begin{aligned} m v_p r_p &= m v_a r_a \\ \frac{v_p}{v_a} &= \frac{r_a}{r_p} = \frac{3}{2} \end{aligned} \]

The planet moves fastest when closest to the sun, so the ratio is the inverse of the distance ratio; 2 : 3 repeats the distances.

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