What is the approximate mean velocity with which the Earth moves round the Sun in its orbit?
A
20 km/s
B
30 km/s
C
40 km/s
D
50 km/s
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The Earth moves round the Sun in its orbit in an elliptical path.
2. The length of Earth's orbit is approximately 940 million km.
3. The time taken for one orbit is approximately 365.25 days.
4. The mean velocity can be calculated by dividing the orbital distance by the time period.
5. Converting days to seconds: 365.25 days * 24 hours/day * 60 min/hour * 60 sec/min ≈ 31.56 million seconds.
6. Mean velocity ≈ (940 x 10^6 km) / (31.56 x 10^6 s) ≈ 29.78 km/s.
7. This value is approximately 30 km/s.