Why is the barycenter of the Earth and Moon significant?
A) The barycenter is the halfway point between Earth and the Moon.
B) The barycenter is the point between Earth and the Moon where their gravitational pulls just cancel.
C) The barycenter is the common center of the orbital motions of Earth and the Moon due to their mutual gravitational attraction.
D) The Moon is receding from Earth, and Earth is receding from the Moon. The common point from which they are both receding is the barycenter.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The barycenter is significant because it is the common center of mass around which Earth and the Moon orbit due to their mutual gravitational attraction. This point is not necessarily at the halfway point between the two bodies, nor is it a point where gravitational forces cancel out. It is also not accurate to describe the barycenter as a point from which both bodies are receding.

Why Is the Barycenter of the Earth and Moon Significant