Which of the following objects would be the most likely to have a very highly elliptical orbit? a Mars b The Sun c Neptune d Halley's Comet
Halley's Comet is the most likely object to have a very highly elliptical orbit.
Halley's Comet would be the most likely to have a very highly elliptical orbit.
To determine which of the given objects would be most likely to have a highly elliptical orbit, we need to understand what an elliptical orbit is and the factors that influence it.
An elliptical orbit is a type of orbit where an object follows an elliptical or elongated path around another object due to their gravitational interaction. It is characterized by an oval shape, with the object being closer to the central body at some points in the orbit and farther away at other points.
The shape of an orbit depends on the eccentricity of the orbit, with higher eccentricity meaning a more elongated or elliptical shape. The eccentricity of an orbit is influenced by the object's speed, distance from the central body, and the gravitational force acting upon it.
Out of the given options:
a) Mars: Mars has a moderately elliptical orbit, but it is not highly elliptical compared to other objects in our solar system.
b) The Sun: The Sun has a very low eccentricity and, therefore, a nearly circular orbit. It does not have a highly elliptical orbit.
c) Neptune: Neptune's orbit is relatively elongated, which means it has a somewhat elliptical orbit. However, it is not considered to have a highly elliptical orbit compared to other objects.
d) Halley's Comet: Halley's Comet is well-known for its highly eccentric and elongated orbit. It spends most of its time in the outer regions of the solar system and only briefly comes close to the Sun during its periodic visits to the inner solar system. Therefore, Halley's Comet is the most likely object out of the given options to have a highly elliptical orbit.
In conclusion, out of the given objects, Halley's Comet is the most likely to have a highly elliptical orbit.