A Lagrange point in the Earth-Moon system is a position
A) directly between the Earth and Moon
B) on the surface of the Moon that points directly away from the Earth
C) on the Earth's surface that the Moon's gravity is concentrated
D) in space where the effects of the Earth's and Moon's gravity cancel each other out

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Lagrange point is a point in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, in this case, the Earth and the Moon, balance each other out. These five points, also called Lagrangian points, are named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange who first described them mathematically. The Earth-Moon system has five Lagrange points, and they all lie along the line connecting the two celestial bodies. However, none of the Lagrange points are directly between the Earth and Moon (choice A) or on the surface of the Moon that points away from the Earth (choice B). Also, the Moon's gravity does not concentrate at any point on Earth's surface (choice C). Therefore, the correct answer is D, in space where the effects of the Earth's and Moon's gravity cancel each other out.

A Lagrange Point in the Earth-Moon System Is a Position