Which of these situations describes an acceptable path for a body gravitationally bound to the Sun?
A) parabolic path passing through the center of the Sun
B) circular path with the Sun on the circle
C) long ellipse, with the Sun at one focus
D) long ellipse, with the Sun at its center

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In celestial mechanics, a body orbiting the Sun in a stable, bound orbit will follow an elliptical path with the Sun at one of the foci, according to Kepler's first law of planetary motion. Options A, B, and D do not describe stable orbits for a body gravitationally bound to the Sun.

Which of These Situations Describes an Acceptable Path for a Body