Why does Neptune orbit the Sun much slower than Mercury?
Answer
Its orbital speed is precisely matched to the significantly weaker gravitational pull at its greater distance.
Mercury requires high velocity to counter the strong central gravity up close, whereas Neptune, being far out where gravity is weaker, requires a much slower speed to maintain stable orbit and prevent flying off.
#Videos
The Solar System - What Holds It All Together? - YouTube
Why Do All Planets Move The Same Direction Around The Sun?
Related Questions
What two key factors maintain the Solar System's long-term cohesion?What percentage of the total mass in the Solar System does the Sun contain?What is the general shape of the paths followed by planets in the Solar System?Nearly all major planets move in orbits that lie close to what specific flat plane?What was the initial rotating cloud of gas and dust that formed the Solar System called?If an object were suddenly slowed down without changing its distance, what would temporarily happen to its orbit?What analogy is used to illustrate the balance between gravity and inertia in an orbit?Why does Neptune orbit the Sun much slower than Mercury?What phenomenon results when a small body's orbital period is a simple fraction of a larger body's period, leading to cleared-out regions?What is the Hill Sphere defined as?