How was the mass of Pluto determined?
A)By measuring the effect of its gravity on the terrestrial planets
B)By observing its effect on the motion of an unmanned flyby of Pluto
C)By determining the orbit of its satellite,Charon
D)By measuring how it bends light rays passing near it

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass of Pluto was determined by observing the orbit of its satellite, Charon. By measuring the gravitational force between Pluto and Charon, astronomers were able to calculate the mass of both objects. Option A is incorrect because the gravitational effect of Pluto on the terrestrial planets is too small to measure accurately, and Option B is incorrect because the motion of an unmanned flyby is influenced by many factors besides the gravity of Pluto. Option D is incorrect because bending of light rays passing near a massive object is a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, which is used to study distant objects, but not to determine the mass of nearby objects like Pluto.

How Was the Mass of Pluto Determined