Question

Question

Look at the different possible paths the blue planet can take. Complete the diagram below on orbital motion correctly, by using the following terms:
circular, elliptical, hyperbolic, spiral
1
Drop target 1
2
Drop target 2
3
Drop target 3
4
Drop target 4

Answer 1

To complete the diagram on orbital motion with the different paths the blue planet can take, the terms can be assigned as follows:

1. Drop target 1: Circular
2. Drop target 2: Elliptical
3. Drop target 3: Hyperbolic
4. Drop target 4: Spiral

These terms describe the different types of orbits that can occur based on the energy and momentum of the objects involved in the gravitational interactions. Circular orbits are closed paths with constant distance from the focal point, elliptical orbits are also closed but have varying distances, hyperbolic trajectories represent paths of objects that are not bound to the central body, and spiral paths can describe objects moving toward or away from a central body gradually.