Asked by mom
Observing a planetoid orbiting far from the sun, astronomers notice that the object slows down in its orbit in a way they did not expect. Which is a reasonable conclusion?
Responses
The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.
The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object. - no response given
The planetoid is slowing due to friction.
The planetoid is slowing due to friction. - no response given
The planetoid is beginning to change its type of orbit.
The planetoid is beginning to change its type of orbit. - no response given
The planetoid is being repelled by something.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.
Reason: In deep space, friction is negligible and there is no known repulsive force that would slow an orbiting body. A change in orbital speed is most plausibly caused by an external gravitational perturbation — a nearby massive object altering the planetoid’s velocity and thus changing its orbit (i.e., a change of orbit would be the consequence, not the primary cause).
Reason: In deep space, friction is negligible and there is no known repulsive force that would slow an orbiting body. A change in orbital speed is most plausibly caused by an external gravitational perturbation — a nearby massive object altering the planetoid’s velocity and thus changing its orbit (i.e., a change of orbit would be the consequence, not the primary cause).
Submit Your Answer
We prioritize human answers over AI answers.
If you are human, and you can answer this question, please submit your answer.