An asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory point across the solar system. Which of the following is possible? CHOOSE ONE CORRECT ANSWER.
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.
O The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter.
The correct answer is: O The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape.
The correct answer is: O The asteroid continues out of the solar system.
When an asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around, its trajectory can be altered due to Jupiter's gravitational pull. Jupiter is a massive planet, so its gravity can significantly affect the path of the asteroid.
As the asteroid approaches Jupiter, it will experience a gravitational force that slingshots it around the planet. This slingshot effect, also known as a gravity assist or a gravitational slingshot, can increase the asteroid's velocity and change its trajectory.
In this scenario, the asteroid can gain enough velocity from the slingshot effect to exceed the escape velocity of our solar system. The escape velocity is the minimum velocity an object needs to overcome the gravitational pull of a celestial body and move away from it indefinitely.
Therefore, the correct answer is that the asteroid continues out of the solar system. It will no longer remain in orbit around Jupiter or adopt an unusual orbit around the Sun. Instead, it will follow a new trajectory that takes it away from our solar system.