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C). An asteroid is in a highly eccentric elliptical orbit around the Sun. The pe

ID: 2039406 • Letter: C

Question

C). An asteroid is in a highly eccentric elliptical orbit around the Sun. The period of the asteroid’s orbit is 90 days. Which of the following statements is true about the possibility of a collision between this asteroid and the Earth?

1. There is no possible danger of a collision.

2. There is a possibility of a collision.

3. There is not enough information to determine whether there is danger of a collision.

D). A comet moves in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. The highest value of the speed of the comet occurs at:

1. aphelion.

2. perihelion.

3. all points

. E). A comet moves in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. The highest value of the potential energy of the comet–Sun system occurs at:

1. aphelion.

2. perihelion.

3. all points.

Explanation / Answer

c) There is a possibility of a collision.

Explanation :

orbital period of asteroid p = 90 days

By using kepler's 3rd law ,we find the major axis of asteroid .

p2 = a3

a = semi major axis of asteroid

a = p2/3

a = (90)2/3

a = 19.48 A.U.

the major axis of asteroid is (2*19.48 = 39 A.U. = 58.34*1011 m)

we know that distance between earth and sun is 149.6 million km = 1.49*1011 m .

since the major axis is greater than the earth sun distance , There is a possibility asteroide collide with eath .

D)

speed of comet : perihelion.

The angular momentum of system is conserved so the speed of the comet is highest at the point where it is closest to sun.

E)

Total energy of comet - sun system : all points

Total energy of system is same at all points on the orbit.