What is the difference between a bound orbit and an unbound orbit around the Sun?
A) An object on a bound orbit follows the same path around the Sun over and over, while an object on an unbound orbit approaches the Sun just once and then never returns.
B) A bound orbit is an orbit allowed by the universal law of gravitation, and an unbound orbit is not.
C) An object on a bound orbit has a gravitational attraction to the Sun, while an object on an unbound orbit does not.
D) A bound orbit is circular, while an unbound orbit is elliptical.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A bound orbit is one in which the object revolves around the Sun repeatedly, following the same path each time. An unbound orbit is one in which the object approaches the Sun once but does not return. This happens because it either gains enough speed from the Sun's gravity to escape it, or it is deflected by the gravity of other planets or stars.

What Is the Difference Between a Bound Orbit and an Unbound