The speed increases from X to W because a component of the gravitational force acts in the direction of the velocity.
To find the correct statement among all the options, we need to know about the gravitational force.
Why does the speed of earth decrease, when it goes away from the sun in an elliptical orbit?
- There is a gravitational force between the earth and sun.
- When the earth goes away from the sun, a component of the gravitational force remains opposite to its motion. So its velocity decreases.
Why does the speed of earth increase, when it goes towards the sun in an elliptical orbit?
When the earth goes towards the sun, that component of the gravitational force now remains along the direction of motion. So that its speed increases.
Thus, we can conclude that the speed of earth increases when it goes from X to W as shown in the figure.
Learn more about the gravitational force here:
brainly.com/question/24783651
#SPJ2