Which of these sentences describes the motions of the particles in the rings of Saturn?
A) Each of the particles moves in an almost circular Keplerian orbit around the planet.
B) The particles move in randomly oriented elliptical orbits and collide frequently with one another.
C) The particles move in zigzag patterns within the ring system because of interaction with the major moons.
D) The particles all move in concert as if they were a solid sheet because of electrostatic interaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each particle in the rings of Saturn moves in an almost circular Keplerian orbit around the planet, following the laws of planetary motion described by Johannes Kepler. This motion is largely independent, rather than being in a solid sheet or in random or zigzag patterns.

Which of These Sentences Describes the Motions of the Particles