In a system with three gravitating bodies, there are _________ stable locations called _________ points for the third object to orbit in lockstep with the two more massive objects.
A) 3; tidal
B) 2; tidal
C) 4; Roche
D) 2; Lagrange
E) 5; Lagrange

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D, as there are two stable points in a system with three gravitating bodies known as Lagrange points. At these points, the gravitational forces from the two more massive objects and the centrifugal force acting on the third object are in balance, allowing it to maintain a stable orbit. Tidal points (A) refer to locations where the gravitational forces of the two larger bodies cancel out and the tidal forces of each body prevail. Roche points (C) refer to locations where the gravitational forces are so strong that a third object would be torn apart by tidal forces. There are five Lagrange points in a system with two gravitating bodies, but the addition of a third object changes the dynamics.

In a System with Three Gravitating Bodies, There Are _________