Question

question 5 of 25
which of the following statements regarding orbits is true?

a. the sun and a planet are at the two foci of an orbit.

b. the orbit of a planet has an elliptical shape with the sun at one focus.

c. in an orbit, the satellite and the central body are the two foci of the ellipse.

d. in an elliptical orbit, there is one focus and the satellite is located there.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about orbits, we refer to Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion, which states that the orbit of a planet around the Sun is an ellipse, with the Sun at one of the two foci of the ellipse.

• Option A is incorrect because a planet is not at a focus; only the Sun (or central body) and an empty focus exist for a planetary orbit.
• Option B aligns with Kepler's First Law, as planetary orbits are elliptical with the Sun at one focus.
• Option C is incorrect because the satellite (planet) is not at a focus; the central body (Sun) and an empty focus are the foci.
• Option D is incorrect because elliptical orbits have two foci, and the satellite moves along the ellipse, not being located at a focus.

Answer:

B. The orbit of a planet has an elliptical shape with the Sun at one focus.