If the Earth had two identical moons in one circular orbit, and the moons were as far apart in that orbit as they could be, the center of gravity of the Earth-moons system would beA) at the center of the Earth.B) outside the Earth, but beyond the orbital path of the moons.C) outside the Earth, but within the orbital path of the moons.D) inside the Earth, but off center.

Since the moons are identical, and at the same distance on opposite sides, the answer is A).

outside the earth, but within the orbital path of the moons.

To determine the center of gravity of the Earth-moons system, we need to understand how gravity works. Gravity is a force that attracts objects towards each other. In the case of the Earth and the moons, the force of gravity acts between the Earth and each moon separately.

Given that the two moons are identical and in a circular orbit, we can assume that their masses and distances from the Earth are the same. Since gravity depends on the mass of the objects and the distance between them, the gravitational force between the Earth and each moon will be the same.

Since the gravitational force acts towards the center of mass of each moon, and the two moons are in opposite directions from each other, the center of gravity of the Earth-moons system will be located between the two moons, along the line joining their centers.

If the moons are as far apart in their orbit as they could be, the center of gravity would be equidistant from each moon. This means that the center of gravity will be located outside the Earth, but within the orbital path of the moons. Therefore, the correct answer is C) outside the Earth, but within the orbital path of the moons.