Questions
EESC1120.01|.02 Summer 2025 Our Home Amongst the Cosmos [Kruckenberg] Week 4 Quiz
Single choice
Which of these observations would allow you to measure the mass of a planet?
Options
A.the planet’s temperature
B.the planet’s distance from the Sun
C.the orbit of one of that planet’s moons
D.the planet’s orbital period
E.the planet’s rotational period
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Verified Answer
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Step-by-Step Analysis
To determine which observation enables measuring a planet's mass, we must consider what measurable data ties directly to gravitational effects.
Option 1: 'the planet’s temperature' — Temperature tells us about atmospheric composition or heat, not about gravitational mass. It provides no direct link to the planet's gravitational influence.
Option 2: 'the planet’s dista......Login to view full explanationLog in for full answers
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Question textThree classmates debate how Newton’s law of universal gravitation explains satellite motion.Task: For each student, select the option that best evaluates the reasoning. Student 1“A satellite in circular orbit around Earth is not accelerating because its speed remains constant.”Answer 1 Question 22[select: , Correct. Speed is constant, so there is no acceleration in orbit., Incorrect. Even though speed is constant, velocity is continuously changing direction, so the satellite is accelerating toward Earth., Acceleration only occurs if the satellite changes altitude.] Student 2“The force of gravity on a satellite decreases with increasing distance, but if the satellite moves farther out, it must move faster to stay in orbit.”Answer 2 Question 22[select: , Correct. A satellite farther away needs higher velocity to maintain orbit., Incorrect. A satellite farther from Earth actually moves slower; weaker fields mean longer orbital periods., Orbital speed is the same for all satellites regardless of altitude.] Student 3“The International Space Station orbits low above Earth. Its orbital period is short because the gravitational field is stronger closer to Earth.”Answer 3 Question 22[select: , Correct. Stronger fields at lower altitudes produce higher orbital speeds and shorter periods., Incorrect. Lower satellites move more slowly, so their periods are longer., Orbital period does not depend on altitude.]
Which location is the Perihelion?
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