ES Hmwk; Solar System Orbital Laws - Part 1

Front

What is the equatorial diameter of the Moon?

Back

3.48 x 10^3 kilometers.

Front

What shape best approximates the path of Earth as it travels around the Sun?

Back

An elliptical orbit.

Front

Which planets are known as terrestrial planets?

Back

Mercury, Mars, and Venus.

Front

What does an elliptical orbit represent?

Back

The shape of the path that a celestial body follows around another body due to gravitational forces.

Front

What happens to the eccentricity of an ellipse if the foci are placed closer together?

Back

The eccentricity decreases.

Front

Define eccentricity in the context of an ellipse.

Back

Eccentricity is a measure of how much an ellipse deviates from being circular, ranging from 0 (circle) to 1 (parabola).

Front

What is the primary characteristic of terrestrial planets?

Back

They have high density and a rocky composition.

Front

Name the four terrestrial planets in our solar system.

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Front

What is the significance of the Sun in the solar system?

Back

The Sun is the central star around which all planets and other celestial bodies orbit.

Front

How does the gravitational force affect the orbits of planets?

Back

Gravitational force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun, preventing them from drifting into space.