Which is the LEAST eccentric orbit? *

1 point
e=0.001
e=0.90
e=1
e=0.25

e=0.001

To determine which orbit is the least eccentric, we need to understand what eccentricity represents.

Eccentricity (e) is a measure of how elliptical or elongated an orbit is. It is a dimensionless quantity that ranges from 0 to 1.

A circular orbit has an eccentricity of 0, meaning it is perfectly round. As the eccentricity increases, the orbit becomes more elongated, with a value of 1 representing a highly elongated orbit.

Among the given options, the orbit with the least eccentricity is the one with the smallest value of e.

Option 1: e = 0.001
Option 2: e = 0.90
Option 3: e = 1
Option 4: e = 0.25

Comparing the values, we find that the orbit with the least eccentricity is Option 1, with e = 0.001. This orbit is closest to a perfect circle and is the least elongated or eccentric of all the options.

The least eccentric orbit is when the eccentricity (e) is closest to 0. Therefore, the answer is e=0.001.