The first three scenarios are possible:
- The asteroid could slow down as it approaches Jupiter due to the gravitational pull of the planet.
- Depending on the trajectory and speed at which the asteroid is slung around Jupiter, it could be flung out of the solar system.
- The asteroid could adopt an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape, after being slung around Jupiter.
However, it is unlikely for the asteroid to fall into an irregular orbit around Jupiter. Given the strong gravitational pull of Jupiter, it is more likely that the asteroid would either be slung away or adopt a new trajectory in the solar system.
An asteroid approaches Jupiter and is slung around into a new trajectory across the solar system. Which of the following is possible?
O The asteroid slows down as it passes around Jupiter.
O The asteroid continues out of the solar system.
O The asteroid adopts an unusual orbit around the sun, such as an egg shape.
O The asteroid falls into an irregular orbit around Jupiter.
1 answer