Nearly every aspect of astronomy is related in some way to the existence of gravity and to the motions which are responsible for a balance against gravity. How does this balance play a role for the miscellaneous objects of the solar system (i.e

, the asteroids and comets)? How can some aspect of this be used as a tool to determine masses in the solar system?


Asteroids and comets all orbit the Sun, some with highly eccentric orbits. Some comets have periods of millions of years. Gravity acting on and between comets and asteroids can be used to determine their masses and the masses of bodies affecting them.

Physics & Space Science

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Tom is going to your left at 90% of the speed of light and Joan is going to your right at 90% of the speed of light. What will Tom say about you and Joan?

A) You are moving away from him at 90% the speed of light. Joan is moving away from him at 180% of the speed of light. B) You are moving away from him at 90% the speed of light. Joan is moving away from him at as speed that is faster than 90% of the speed of light, but slower than the whole speed of light. C) You are moving away from him at 90% the speed of light. Joan is moving away from him at as speed of light. D) You and Joan are both moving away from him at 90% the speed of light.

Physics & Space Science

Which of the following wavelength regions cannot be studied at all with telescopes on the ground?

A) radio B) infrared C) x-rays D) both radio and x-rays E) both infrared and x-rays

Physics & Space Science

The plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are maintained with constant voltage by a battery as they are pulled apart. What happens to the strength of the electric field during this process?

A) It increases. B) It decreases. C) It remains constant. D) cannot be determined from the information given

Physics & Space Science

What prevents satellites orbiting the earth from falling?

Physics & Space Science