Question Details

Both earth and moon are subject to the gravitational force of the sun. As observed from the sun, the orbit of the moon

Options

A

will be elliptical

B

will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not centra

C

is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve

D

deviates considerably from being elliptical due to influence of planets other than earth

Correct Answer :

will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not centra

Solution :

The correct option is: will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not centra

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Keplerian Orbits and Central Forces:
For a celestial body to have a strictly elliptical orbit, it must move under the influence of a single, central gravitational force directed toward a fixed point (the center of force). In a simple two-body system, the primary body (the Sun) exerts this central force on the orbiting body.

2. Forces Acting on the Moon:
As observed from the Sun, the Moon is not in a simple two-body system with the Sun. Instead, it is simultaneously attracted by both the Sun and the Earth. The net force acting on the Moon is the vector sum of these two gravitational forces:
F net = F Sun-Moon + F Earth-Moon
Here,
F Sun-Moon
is the force directed towards the center of the Sun, and
F Earth-Moon
is the force directed towards the center of the Earth.

3. Violation of the Central Force Condition:
Because the Earth is constantly orbiting the Sun and the Moon is orbiting the Earth, the direction and magnitude of the Earth's pull on the Moon change continuously. Consequently, the net gravitational force
F net
does not point directly toward the center of the Sun at all times. Because the net force is not central with respect to the Sun, the Moon's path cannot be a clean, closed Keplerian ellipse when observed from the Sun's frame of reference.

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