The Roche limit is the
A)distance from the Sun within which a planet cannot retain an atmosphere.
B)minimum mass of an object in the solar system that would be classified as a planet.
C)maximum separation distance between the Sun and a given planet.
D)distance from Earth at which we lose radio communication with a satellite.
E)distance from a planet within which a planet cannot hold itself together.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Roche limit is the distance from a planet within which a planet cannot hold itself together. This limit is determined by the gravitational forces of the planet and the tidal forces of an orbiting body. If an object, such as a moon or asteroid, gets too close to a planet within the Roche limit, then the planet's tidal forces can cause it to break apart and form a ring system around the planet.

The Roche Limit Is the