Which is the best description of Earth’s orbit?(1 point)
Responses
highly elliptical
highly elliptical
parabolic
parabolic
circular
circular
almost circular
almost circular
Which orbital shape did most scientists in the early 1600s think the planets of our solar system have?(1 point)
Responses
elliptical
elliptical
hyperbolic
hyperbolic
parabolic
parabolic
circular
circular
Which planet’s orbit was Kepler first studying when he began to develop his laws of orbital motion?(1 point)
Responses
Jupiter
Jupiter
Saturn
Saturn
Mars
Mars
Earth
Mars
Which statement describes Kepler’s third law of orbital motion?(1 point)
Responses
The square of orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.
The square of orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.
The orbital period is proportional to the square of the semi-major axis.
The orbital period is proportional to the square of the semi-major axis.
The square of orbital period is proportional to the semi-major axis.
The square of orbital period is proportional to the semi-major axis.
The cube of orbital period is proportional to the square of the semi-major axis.
The square of orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.
Which of these describes Kepler’s third law of orbital motion?(1 point)
Responses
T3 ∝a2
T3 ∝a2
T∝a2
T∝a2
T2 ∝ a3
T2 ∝ a3
T2∝a
T2 ∝ a3
To determine the best description of Earth's orbit, we can first understand that the shape of Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle. Instead, it is slightly elliptical or shaped like an oval. This eliminates the option "circular" since it does not accurately describe the shape of Earth's orbit.
Next, we should consider the degree of ellipticity. Earth's orbit is not highly elliptical, meaning that it is not extremely elongated or stretched out. This rules out the options "highly elliptical" which were listed twice.
Finally, we can determine that Earth's orbit is not parabolic. A parabolic orbit would result in an object moving through space at a constant speed and would not return to its original position.
Therefore, the best description of Earth's orbit is "almost circular," as it is not a perfect circle but still relatively close to being circular in shape.