Kepler's Three Laws
The Keplers Three Laws of Planetary Motion Video Tutorial describes Kepler's findings regarding the motion of planets about the sun. Special attention is given to the third law - the Law of Harmonies.. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What are Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion and what is their significance?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Mission CG10: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
This interactive questioning exercise will provide a great workout and assessment of your understanding of Kepler's Laws. When necessary, be sure to use the Help button.
Calculator Pad, Circular Motion and Gravitation Problem Set, Question #25
Our Calculator Pad section offers a collection of problems accompanied by answers and audio-guided solutions. Get ready to learn.
Multimedia Physics Studios, Circular and Satellite Motion section: Kepler's Second Law
This quick GIF animation and the accompanying discussion will clarify the meaning of Kepler's second law. Short and sweet.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Circular and Satellite Motion Chapter, Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Our Tutorial section is the written version of our Video Tutorial. Written in an easy-to-understand language, it makes a great refresher to the video when needed.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Circular Motion and Gravitation
Get students active and thinking with our free Think Sheets from the Curriclum Corner section of our website. The following Think Sheet is a great fit to this video:
Kepler's Laws and Planetary Motion
Teacher Toolkits, Satellite Motion
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. This one on satellite motion includes information on Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion.
Minds On Physics, Mission CG10: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
This interactive questioning exercise will provide a great workout and assessment of a student's understanding of Kepler's Laws. You can recommend the free version to students or use it with Task Tracker to track student progress.
Calculator Pad, Circular Motion and Gravitation Problem Set, Question #25
Our Calculator Pad section offers a collection of problems accompanied by answers and audio-guided solutions. This is a great place to send your students to practice.
Science Reasoning Center, Circular Motion Section: Kepler's Law of Harmonies.
This activity challenges students to analyze period-radius data for the orbit of the (traditional) nine planets. It will require some great critical thinking.
Multimedia Physics Studios, Circular and Satellite Motion section: Kepler's Second Law
This quick GIF animation and the accompanying discussion will clarify the meaning of Kepler's second law. Short and sweet.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Circular and Satellite Motion Chapter, Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Our Tutorial section is the written version of our Video Tutorial. Written in an easy-to-understand language, it makes a great refresher to the video when needed.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.