Gaps in the asteroid belt (often called Kirkwood gaps)are caused by .
A)tidal forces from Jupiter
B)the competing gravitational tugs of Mars and Jupiter
C)orbital resonances with Jupiter
D)tidal forces from the Sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kirkwood gaps are caused by orbital resonances with Jupiter. Jupiter's strong gravity causes asteroids in certain locations to have orbital periods that are in a specific ratio to Jupiter's orbital period, causing a gravitational tug that eventually clears out the area of asteroids.

Gaps in the Asteroid Belt (Often Called Kirkwood Gaps)are Caused