Question

which of the following would affect centripetal force in orbit? the electric field of the object in orbit the temperature of the object in orbit the size of the circle of orbit

Explanation:

Step1: Recall centripetal force formula

The centripetal force for orbital motion is given by $F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}$ (or $F_c = \frac{GMm}{r^2}$ for gravitational orbits), where $m$ = mass of orbiting object, $v$ = speed, $r$ = orbit radius (size of orbit), $G$ = gravitational constant, $M$ = mass of central object.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Electric field: Not in centripetal force formulas for orbital motion.
• Temperature: Irrelevant to the force calculation.
• Size of orbit: Corresponds to $r$ in the formula—directly affects $F_c$ (inverse square relationship with $r$).

Answer:

The size of the circle of orbit