An asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory across the solar system. Which of the following is possible?
O The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter.
O The asteroid continues out of the solar system.
O The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape.
O The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter.
The first three scenarios are possible:
- The asteroid could slow down as it approaches Jupiter due to the gravitational pull of the planet.
- Depending on the trajectory and speed at which the asteroid is slung around Jupiter, it could be flung out of the solar system.
- The asteroid could adopt an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape, after being slung around Jupiter.
However, it is unlikely for the asteroid to fall into an irregular orbit around Jupiter. Given the strong gravitational pull of Jupiter, it is more likely that the asteroid would either be slung away or adopt a new trajectory in the solar system.
All of the options are possible outcomes when an asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory across the solar system.
- O The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter: Jupiter's gravity can slow down the speed of the asteroid as it gets closer to the planet.
- O The asteroid continues out of the solar system: If Jupiter's gravity is strong enough, it can accelerate the asteroid to a speed that allows it to escape the solar system entirely.
- O The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape: Depending on the interaction with Jupiter's gravity, the asteroid can end up in an elliptical orbit around the sun, resulting in an unusual shape.
- O The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter: Instead of being flung out of the solar system, the asteroid can be captured by Jupiter's gravity and end up in an irregular orbit around the planet.
It is important to note that the specific outcome would depend on various factors such as the velocity, angle of approach, and the size of the asteroid, as well as the gravitational influence of other celestial bodies.
In this scenario, an asteroid approaching Jupiter and being slung around into a new trajectory across the solar system is known as a gravitational slingshot or gravity assist. This maneuver utilizes the gravitational pull of a planet, in this case, Jupiter, to alter the trajectory of the asteroid.
Let's evaluate each option to determine which one is possible:
O The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter: This option is highly unlikely. During a gravitational sling, the asteroid gains speed as it approaches Jupiter and then gets accelerated further as it passes around the planet. Therefore, it does not slow down during this process.
O The asteroid continues out of the solar system: This option is possible. If the asteroid's trajectory is altered correctly by the gravitational slingshot, it can gain sufficient speed to escape the gravitational pull of the solar system and continue its journey into interstellar space.
O The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape: This option is also possible. Depending on the specifics of the gravitational slingshot maneuver, the asteroid might end up with an elliptical or eccentric orbit around the sun. An elliptical orbit could have a distinct shape, such as an egg shape or elongated oval.
O The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter: This option is less likely. Gravitational slingshots are typically used to alter the trajectory of objects, allowing them to escape the gravitational pull of a planet or gain momentum. It is less common for an object to fall into an irregular orbit around Jupiter as a result of a gravitational sling.
Hence, the options that are possible are:
- The asteroid continues out of the solar system.
- The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape.