Answered

Which statement correctly applies Newton's laws to planets and stars?


ABecause of gravity, a planet smaller than a star remains in orbit around the star.
BPlanets orbit stars because they are pushed by solar wind.
CGravity has no effect on planetary motion.
DAll planets orbit at the same speed regardless of distance.

Verified Answer :

Final answer:

The correct answer is that gravity keeps smaller planets in orbit around larger stars. Other options provided are inaccurate as they misrepresent the principles of planetary motion. Gravity influences planetary orbits significantly, with speeds varying based on distance from the star.


Explanation:

Understanding Newton's Laws and Planetary Motion

Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation provide the framework for understanding how planets and stars interact in space. Among the options given, the correct statement is:

  1. Because of gravity, a planet smaller than a star remains in orbit around the star.

This statement is accurate as it reflects the gravitational pull that a star, due to its mass, exerts on nearby planets. The force of gravity causes planets to orbit stars in an elliptical pattern, as described by Kepler's laws of planetary motion, which are grounded in Newtonian physics.

In contrast:

  • Option B is incorrect; planets do not orbit due to solar wind but due to gravitational attraction.
  • Option C is false; gravity significantly impacts planetary motion.
  • Option D is also incorrect; planets do not orbit at the same speed; their orbital velocity varies based on their distance from the star, consistent with Kepler's laws.

In summary, gravity is the crucial force that keeps planets in orbit around stars, with smaller planets being bound by the star's gravitational field.


Learn more about planetary motion here:

https://brainly.com/question/37486070


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