Which is the best description of Earth’s orbit?(1 point)

almost circular

Which orbital shape did most scientists in the early 1600s think the planets of our solar system have?(1 point)

Responses

elliptical
elliptical

hyperbolic
hyperbolic

parabolic
parabolic

circular

circular

Which planet’s orbit was Kepler first studying when he began to develop his laws of orbital motion?(1 point)

Responses

Jupiter
Jupiter

Saturn
Saturn

Mars
Mars

Earth

Mars

Which statement describes Kepler’s third law of orbital motion?(1 point)

Responses

The square of orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.
The square of orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.

The orbital period is proportional to the square of the semi-major axis.
The orbital period is proportional to the square of the semi-major axis.

The square of orbital period is proportional to the semi-major axis.
The square of orbital period is proportional to the semi-major axis.

The cube of orbital period is proportional to the square of the semi-major axis.

The square of orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.

Which of these describes Kepler’s third law of orbital motion?(1 point)

Responses

T3 ∝a2
T3 ∝a2

T∝a2
T∝a2

T2 ∝ a3
T2 ∝ a3

T2∝a

T2 ∝ a3

To determine the best description of Earth's orbit, we can first understand that the shape of Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle. Instead, it is slightly elliptical or shaped like an oval. This eliminates the option "circular" since it does not accurately describe the shape of Earth's orbit.

Next, we should consider the degree of ellipticity. Earth's orbit is not highly elliptical, meaning that it is not extremely elongated or stretched out. This rules out the options "highly elliptical" which were listed twice.

Finally, we can determine that Earth's orbit is not parabolic. A parabolic orbit would result in an object moving through space at a constant speed and would not return to its original position.

Therefore, the best description of Earth's orbit is "almost circular," as it is not a perfect circle but still relatively close to being circular in shape.