Kirkwood gaps in the asteroid belt occur at distances where
A) the density of asteroids is high enough for a large collision to pulverize a number of asteroids.
B) the period of an orbiting asteroid would be a simple fraction (like 1/3 or ¼) of Jupiter's orbital period.
C) the period of an orbiting asteroid would be the same as Jupiter's orbital period.
D) the period of an orbiting asteroid would be the same as Mars's orbital period.
E) the orbit would take the asteroid beyond the "frost line" in the solar system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kirkwood gaps occur at distances where the period of an orbiting asteroid would be a simple fraction of Jupiter's orbital period. These gaps are caused by the gravitational influence of Jupiter, which destabilizes the orbits of asteroids that have resonant periods with Jupiter's orbit. This causes them to either collide with planets or be ejected from the asteroid belt.

Kirkwood Gaps in the Asteroid Belt Occur at Distances Where