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?

1. 2.
3. 4.

(d) Hint: Apply the concept of conservation of energy.

Step 1: Find the variation of kinetic energy of the Earth.

When the earth is closest to the sun, the speed of the earth is maximum. hence. KE is maximum. When the earth is farthest from the sun speed is minimum hence, KE is minimum but never zero and negative.

This variation is correctly represented by option (d).