An asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory point 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.
All of the options are possible depending on the specific conditions and characteristics of the asteroid's trajectory and the gravitational interactions with Jupiter.
All of the options listed are possible outcomes when an asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory point across the solar system.
- The asteroid slowing down as it passes around Jupiter is possible because Jupiter's gravitational pull can act as a slingshot, accelerating the asteroid in some cases and decelerating it in others.
- The asteroid continuing out of the solar system is also possible if Jupiter's gravity slingshots it with sufficient speed to escape the solar system's gravitational pull.
- The asteroid adopting an unusual orbit around the Sun, such as an egg shape, is another possibility. When the asteroid interacts with Jupiter's gravity, it can be pushed onto a new, elongated orbit that differs from its original trajectory.
- Lastly, the asteroid falling into an irregular orbit around Jupiter is possible if the slingshot effect from Jupiter's gravity alters its path in a way that causes it to enter into a new orbit around the planet, rather than continuing along its original course.
Based on the given scenario, the slingshot effect known as the gravity assist maneuver is being used. During this maneuver, the asteroid gains or loses energy and changes its trajectory. Let's analyze each option:
1) The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter: It is unlikely for the asteroid to slow down during the gravity assist maneuver. Instead, it will typically gain speed.
2) The asteroid continues out of the solar system: This option is possible. If the asteroid gains enough speed from the gravity assist maneuver, it can escape the gravitational pull of the Sun and continue its journey out of the solar system.
3) The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape: This possibility depends on the specifics of the trajectory. If the asteroid has a close encounter with Jupiter and is affected by its gravitational pull, its orbit around the Sun could be altered, resulting in an elliptical or unusual orbit.
4) The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter: It is also possible for the asteroid to be captured by Jupiter's gravity and become a moon or end up in an irregular orbit around the planet. However, this scenario would not satisfy the condition of being slung out across the solar system.
To summarize, out of the given options, both the asteroid continuing out of the solar system (option 2) and the asteroid adopting an unusual orbit around the Sun (option 3) are possible outcomes when an asteroid is slung around Jupiter.