At perihelion, the gravitational potential energy of Pluto in its orbit has

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a maximum value.

a minimum value.

the same value as at every other point in its orbit.

a value that depends on the sense of rotation.

answer is B.

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Detailed Solution

Concept: Pluto will come closest to the Sun at perihelion. The distance between two masses affects the gravitational potential energy between them. The potential energy increases but has a negative value as the separation distance shrinks.
Drawing a diagram that illustrates Pluto's orbital motion around the Sun.
The elliptic character of Pluto's revolutional orbit is evident. One of the foci of the elliptical orbit is thought to be where the Sun is.
The revolution of Pluto around the Sun is shown in the following diagram.
sun

Illustrating the relationship for Pluto's gravitational potential energy.
The sources of Pluto's gravitational potential energy include,

V = \frac{- GMm}{r}

where M is the mass of the Sun, m is the mass of Pluto, and r is the distance between the Sun and Pluto. G is the gravitational constant.
The only factor in the equation above that varies as Pluto orbits the Sun is the r-value at the separation.
Hence, ,

V \propto \frac{- 1}{r}

The value of gravitational potential energy is most negative or lowest when Pluto comes closest to the Sun since the distance of separation will be at its shortest at perihelion.
Hence, the correct option is 2.

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