The Saturnian satellite Pan moves along the Encke gap. Suppose a rock is orbiting within the gap at an orbital radius slightly smaller than that of Pan. Which one of these passages correctly describes the interaction between Pan and the rock?
A) Pan catches up to and passes the rock. As it does so, Pan pulls back on the rock, slowing it and causing it to move in an orbit with a larger radius.
B) Pan catches up to and passes the rock. As it does so, Pan pulls the rock forward, making it move faster and causing it to move in an orbit with a smaller radius.
C) The rock catches up to and passes Pan. As it does so, Pan pulls the rock forward, making it move faster and causing it to move into an orbit with a larger radius.
D) The rock catches up to and passes Pan. As it does so, Pan pulls back on the rock, slowing it and causing it to move into an orbit with a smaller radius.

Question

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The Answer of The Saturnian satellite Pan moves along the Encke gap. Suppose a rock is orbiting within the gap at an orbital radius slightly smaller than that of Pan. Which one of these passages correctly describes the interaction between Pan and the rock?
A) Pan catches up to and passes the rock. As it does so, Pan pulls back on the rock, slowing it and causing it to move in an orbit with a larger radius.
B) Pan catches up to and passes the rock. As it does so, Pan pulls the rock forward, making it move faster and causing it to move in an orbit with a smaller radius.
C) The rock catches up to and passes Pan. As it does so, Pan pulls the rock forward, making it move faster and causing it to move into an orbit with a larger radius.
D) The rock catches up to and passes Pan. As it does so, Pan pulls back on the rock, slowing it and causing it to move into an orbit with a smaller radius.

The Saturnian Satellite Pan Moves Along the Encke Gap